Residents reminded of our water restrictions
Region households have increased water usage during hot weather
WITH the recent hot weather, Toowoomba region residents have significantly increased their water usage, despite being on water restrictions since 2011.
In the past week households have increased their water usage from 170 180 litres per day to 222 litres per day.
Permanent conservation measures apply to Toowoomba bulk water supply users including Toowoomba, Highfields, Hampton, Crows Nest, Oakey, Westbrook, Gowrie Junction, Kingsthorpe, Jondaryan, Meringandan and Goombungee.
They also apply to those accessing water supply schemes in Greenmount, Cambooya, Vale View, Wyreema and Hodgson Vale.
Toowoomba Regional Council’s Nancy Sommerfield wants to remind residents that water restrictions have been in place since 2011.
Sprinkler use is allowed before 10am and after 4pm except Mondays and devices must comply with the Efficient Irrigation for Water Conservation Guidelines.
When performing other cleaning activities at home such as washing vehicles, cleaning outdoor areas and washing pets either a bucket or hand-held hose fitted with a trigger or twist nozzle is recommended.
“Tap water timers are the best invention, along with setting up your own watering systems - using drippers rather than the micro jet sprays in your garden beds and mulch is great for moisture retention and weed prevention.,” Cr Sommerfield said.
“Our dams are currently sitting at 53% and predicted assumption that we will reach 40% this time next year which is when we will commence pumping from Wivenhoe to ensure we have good water security.”
All residents are urged to minimise water usage at all times to preserve existing supplies. Private bore water users are also requested to reduce usage where possible as aquifer levels throughout the region have been stressed.