BATHURST residents are able to use their hoses again for the first time in months, with level three (high) water restrictions back in effect from Friday, August 28.
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Due to the increased inflow into Chifley Dam, Bathurst Regional Council decided now is the right time to relax restrictions for the community.
People are now allowed to water their lawns for up to 60 minutes per day every second day under the odds and evens system.
Trigger nozzle hoses or irrigation systems are permitted to be used.
People can also top up swimming pools, however this is limited to 15 minutes per day.
Pool covers need to be in place and be managed according to the supplier or pool expert recommendations.
Garden features, bird baths and childrens pools can also be filled, and residents are allowed to wash their cars on the lawn at home using either a trigger nozzle hose or a bucket.
All of these activities can be done either before 10am or after 4pm.
"The move to high level water restrictions will allow residents and businesses a little more flexibility in their water use, while still focusing on measures to preserve our precious drinking water," Mayor Bobby Bourke said.
"The move to high level water restrictions will also allow council to continue to monitor the forecast rainfall and demand for water into the summer period."
As of August 25, the Chifley Dam level was 83.8 per cent, with inflows still occurring.
This was the highest level seen at the dam in more than two years, since January 2018.
Council staff had forecast the dam to be full before the end of the week.
While restrictions have been scaled back, council will keep its hotline open.
People can call 6333 1683 to ask questions or to report what they believe is a breach, which council will then investigate.
Alternatively, people can send an email to waterrestrictions@bathurst.nsw.gov.au.
