Level 2 Water Restrictions On The Way for Lower Hunter

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Level 2 water restrictions will be introduced across the Lower Hunter as dam levels continue to fall.

Under Level 2 restrictions, showers are limited to 4 minutes in length, outdoor watering is limited to 15 minutes every second day and vehicles and buildings can only be washed with a bucket.

The region has reduced its water usage by 17% since Level 1 restrictions came into force in September but it's not enough to compete with hot and dry conditions forecast to continue until the end of summer.

According to State Water Minister Melinda Pavey the Lower Hunter's dams are declining at a rate of roughly one per cent each week.

Hunter Water reports water storage levels have now reached 57.9%, the lowest they've been since July 1980.

The corporation's Executive Drought Lead Darren Cleary said he's hopeful further restrictions would build on the significant savings made since September.

“We’ve been working closely with our large business customers who use more than 10 million litres of water a year to develop Water Efficiency Management Plans. This will soon be expanded to our smaller business customers as they start preparing their own plans," Mr Cleary said.

“Thank you to everyone in our community for playing their part to save water, because your efforts are helping make a difference.”

Level 2 water restrictions will commence across the Lower Hunter from January 20, 2020.

More information on Level 2 water restrictions can be found at Hunter Water's website.

Image: Hunter Water

Lower Hunter Water Restrictions Introduced for the First Time in 25 Years

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL and TYLER FARDELL

It's been confirmed water restrictions will be introduced to the Lower Hunter for the first time in 25 years.

Level 1 restrictions will begin on Monday, September 16 in the area's of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens, Dungog and Singleton.

Image: Hunter Water Corporation

NSW Water minister Melinda Pavey's announcement comes as a response to the worst drought on record for NSW, which has reduced the region's water storage levels to just 64%.

"While autumn and winter are typically the highest rainfall seasons for the Lower Hunter, the rainfall has not eventuated, causing the region’s dams to fall to their lowest levels in more than two decades,” said Ms Pavey.

"With no significant rainfall on the horizon, the introduction of Level 1 water restrictions forms an important part of Hunter Water’s drought response to help reduce demand on the water supply."

Hunter Water Acting CEO Graham Wood said Hunter Water will be working with residents and businesses to better conserve water.

"Water is crucial to people in the Lower Hunter so we'll be working together with all of our customers to save this precious resource, whilst ensuring the continuity of their lives and businesses", he said.

Level 1 water restrictions include:

• Outdoor watering is permitted before 10am or after 4pm with a trigger nozzle hose

• All handheld hoses must have a trigger nozzle

• No hosing of hard surfaces such as concrete, paths and driveways

• All vehicles should be washed with a bucket, trigger nozzle hose or pressure cleaner

• No sprinklers are to be used.

Hunter Water Executive Drought Lead Darren Cleary says although they have the power to fine people for not adhering to these restrictions, Hunter Water is relying on cooperation from residents to ensure no excess water is wasted.

Grahamstown Dam