BATHURST region primary producers accessed almost 6000 kilolitres of free water from the Hereford Street standpipes under a Bathurst Regional Council scheme designed to provide some relief during the three-year drought.
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But easing conditions right across the Central Tablelands will see council call time on the two-year scheme from December 18, with the price of water from the standpipes to revert to $5 a kilolitre for all users.
The free water scheme was introduced by council in September 2018 as a "small but effective" way to show support for the region's farmers.
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The free water was limited to 20 kilolitres a week for verified users, with stock watering the primary purpose.
Councillors have voted six times to extend the scheme but a report by corporate services and finance director Aaron Jones to Wednesday night's monthly meeting of council recommends it now be closed with all areas of the Central Tablelands now officially out of drought.
"Approximately 5900 kilolitres of water has been accessed under this scheme representing a minimal loss of income of $14,776," Mr Jones states in the report.
"There were 113 people who have registered for the scheme, averaging about 52kL ($131 worth) of water each.
"It should also be noted that standpipe water sales are also still at the reduced rate of $2.50 per kilolitre as per council's decision of 6 June 2018, whilst part of the area is drought declared.
"As the area is no longer drought affected, the charges should revert back to the normal rate of $5."
Mr Jones said the free water scheme had not had a significant impact on council's finances.
His report to councillors said the potential loss of water sales income came to just $15,000, spread over two years of the scheme.
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