Level 2 water restrictions have come into effect today across the Parkes Shire, after storage levels at Lake Endeavour Dam reached the capacity trigger.
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Under level two restrictions, residents are only permitted to water outside the hours of 10am and 5pm, on alternate days under an 'odds and evens' arrangement.
Odd numbered households may water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Even numbered households may water on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Mondays will be solely dedicated for Parkes Shire Council use, to ensure the town’s public parks and green spaces are maintained.
Rehabilitative watering scheduled for public areas affected by the Parkes Elvis Festival activities, such as Cooke Park and Pioneer Oval, will still go ahead this week.
“Parkes Shire residents must be commended for their efforts in conserving water during this dry period, which has delayed the introduction of level 2 restrictions,” Parkes Shire Council's Director Infrastructure, Andrew Francis said.
“The introduction of these restrictions are to help safeguard our long-term water supply.
“We will review these restrictions based on the conditions, however we expect them to remain in place until the end of the summer season.”
While these restrictions do not apply to the commercial sector who require water as part of their essential business activities, a number of local operators such as CMOC Northparkes Mines, have already reduced their water usage.
Rural residents, not connected to Parkes Shire’s reticulated water supply network and who are accessing free standpipe water under Council's Drought Support measures, are also being reminded that this arrangement is for essential domestic and stock use only.
Council will be closely monitoring standpipe activity over the coming weeks.
Residents can help conserve water by making some small changes in and around the home.
View Council's water saving tips here - www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/living-here/your- property/water/water-saving-tips/
For more information about level 2 water restrictions, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au
Domestic uses
Garden and Lawn Watering: micro-sprays, drip systems, sprinklers and soaker hoses are permitted between the hours of 5pm and 10am, on alternate days. Hand-held hoses are unrestricted. No domestic watering permitted on Mondays (public open spaces exempt).
Swimming Pools: filling of new swimming pools is prohibited from town water supply, however council's brick pit supply can be utilised for this purpose.
Topping up of pools: permitted between the hours of 5pm and 10am, on alternate days.
Washing motor vehicles: hand held hose permitted between the hours of 5pm and 10am, on alternate days. Vehicles must be washed on a grassed area.
Stock: unrestricted.
Public/Commercial
Bowling greens, motels, nursing homes, schools: unrestricted.
Market gardens and orchards: unrestricted.
Nurseries and commercial flower gardens: unrestricted.
Washing motor vehicles: unrestricted.
Fountains: unrestricted.
Water cartage from town supply from approved standpipes only.
Automatic cycle flush toilets: unrestricted.
Industrial uses
No restrictions for process and manufacturing.
Under the Local Government Act 1993, the maximum penalty that may be applied for a breach of imposed water restrictions is $2200 for corporations and $220 for individuals.
