BY ISABEL EVERETT
Level 1 water restrictions will be removed from across the Lower Hunter on October 1st , with Hunter Water saying the decision is a result of a combination of factors including the community’s ongoing water saving, and a significant reduction in leakage across Hunter Water’s network.
Hunter Water dam storage levels are currently sitting at 79.4%.
"The trigger level was we got above 70% in our dams, but we're also looking at the climate outlook and it's been quite uncertain up until now, with climate outlooks heading into summer looking at wetter than average conditions," says Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary.
However the Lower Hunter community is still encouraged to maintain the water saving behaviours that have become the new normal.
These measures include only watering outdoors with a trigger nozzle hose before 10am and after 4pm and not hosing hard surfaces.
“Other simple choices such as reducing showers to 4 minutes and waiting for a full load before using the dishwasher and washing machine can also make a big difference when it comes to saving water.”
"Since water restrictions were introduced almost a year ago, Lower Hunter residents have used on average 15 per cent less water than we expected, which is equivalent to saving the water use of 52,000 households," says Mr Cleary.
"On top of that, Hunter Water’s significant investment in leakage reduction across its network has led to a further 13 per cent fall last financial year, bringing the total reduction to 34 per cent in three years."
"While this is welcome news, we can’t lose sight of the lessons from the severe drought and return to past water use habits."
Hunter Water says it’s important residents continue to save now for summer and not become complacent with water use.
The severe drought demonstrated how quickly water storages can fall during the warmer months as they have large surface areas and are prone to evaporation.
“We need everyone to help us Love Water all year round by continuing to make smart water choices in their everyday behaviour."
