Bathurst has been under some sort of water restrictions for almost three years due to drought conditions across the state.

However, the dam has been sitting at around 100 per cent for the last 12 months.

Cr Warren Aubin's recent idea to temporarily relax restrictions to give residents two to four weeks to do a spring clean has led to discussion in the community about how necessary restrictions are.

In Cr Christian's opinion, the restrictions should be lifted altogether.

"I think it's time to allow people to use water whenever they like. The ratepayer pays for their water and I think it's time to end restrictions, with maybe the condition that when the dam hits 80 or 85 per cent, then we can go back and look at things," he said.

In addition to letting residents have more freedom over their water use, Cr Christian said it would help people with their mental health.

It is something he has been particularly concerned about of late as the strict COVID-19 lockdown continues in Bathurst.

"I think it's a mental health thing. We're going through these lockdowns and at the moment, as far as I'm concerned, people are needlessly affected by water restrictions when we have water spilling over our spillway, we've had floods," he said.

"I think it's time to reward the Bathurst ratepayers for good work, everyone has been doing the right thing, and it's time people get some normality in regards to their water usage."

While Cr Christian is keen to see an end to water restrictions, other councillors are reluctant.

READ MORE: Status of water projects has some reluctant to pause restrictions

Mayor Ian North wants to see other water matters, including the stormwater harvesting scheme, resolved before water restrictions are relaxed.

Cr Graeme Hanger has also said no to lifting restrictions, while Cr Jacqui Rudge has said she would consider easing restrictions, but not completely removing them.

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