Let's be clear on our water and how it is able to be used | Letter

While water restrictions with a wet catchment and overflowing dam appears for some an oddity, as a community we need to ensure that water is not wasted regardless if it is in excess.

But a bit like the reopening of the Waste Management Centre and Ben Chifley Dam easing water restrictions are inevitable in favourable conditions and will happen regardless, so why all the fuss?

Nor is water over the spillway 'wasted'.

What we do need is better water management policies to ensure clarity, understanding and that we avoid FORO (fear of running out).

At the same time, there is much that can be done in a practical way to bolster our storage and retention and take pressure from the costs of filtration - which will help avoid harsh restrictions.

Water security is not just about 'lift the restrictions' when there is ample - and very few would be needing to water their grass now anyway, so it is a moot point.

It is about having a solid discussion with the community as to managing what water we are able to store, consider options to increase that storage and then ensure it is used wisely at all times (including allowing for environmental purposes - the Winburndale debacle comes to mind).

What seems to be clear is the dry times are going to be drier for longer and it is then that matters.

Is this really about water?