SMOKE AND MIRRORS
I NOTE the story (TC, 18/09 - Medium water restrictions imposed) it is reported that the next level of water restrictions in Hodgson Vale and Cambooya “… don’t yet affect Toowoomba city areas, but would come into effect if dams dropped below a combined 30%. Dam levels are just above 45%”.
Hold that thought.
On 20/02, a letter of mine was published, part of which was the statement . . . “Since the commissioning of the Wivenhoe pipeline, all areas have been covered by ‘permanent conservation measures’ (the Target 200 campaign) – i.e. minimising use through cooperation. The next tighter level of restrictions for the ‘bulk’ area is documented to apply when the dams get down to 30%. However if pumping starts at 40% and supplies are maintained, 30% would never be reached”.
I cannot recall any response to that claim, so I’ll raise it again. Which is it going to be councillors? Is the council shaping up to “pump and charge” (starting in FY 2019/20 because rates and charges cannot be changed to cover the additional cost if the 40% level is reached in the current financial year as expected), or has the council come to its senses and is now prepared to review its operational policies and delay pumping through the enlistment of the community in water conservation (meaningful restrictions) programs, and see how dam levels hold up?
The pipeline should be capable of supporting daily demand, so there is no danger whatsoever of losing supply at our end even if 20% were adopted as the “pump start” level (which would give another two years for natural replenishment if only in part).
It may need some additional “engineering” after the rampant development this council has permitted and how this has undoubtedly stressed the supply and brought system development programs forwards.
But politically, “running out” would never be permitted.
Over the past several years water users have been bombarded with the mantra “40% is the pumping start” level.
Does this still apply? Or is the threat of restrictions (at 30%) just more “smoke and mirrors”?
TONY LAKE, Meringandan West