Watering restrictions changed

RESIDENTS in 10 communities across the Toowoomba region can now water their gardens later in the day and for longer periods.

The Toowoomba Regional Council yesterday passed alterations to current medium-level water restrictions, meaning home-owners will be able to water gardens with a hose from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

Cr Nancy Sommerfield said the changes were to help residents use the allotted times and reduce water use.

RESIDENTS in the Toowoomba region under medium-level water restrictions will be able to water their gardens later in the day and more often, thanks to changes voted on by the council.

Water and waste chair Cr Nancy Sommerfield pushed through changes yesterday to restrictions for affected communities, such as Pittsworth, Yarraman, Cecil Plains and Cambooya.

Under the changes, watering will be permitted for one hour between 5.30pm and 6.30pm three days a week, depending on whether your address was odd or even-numbered.

Previously, the allowed times were from 4pm to

4.30pm.

Residents with eligible concessions could also water for twice as long, also starting at 5.30pm.

Cr Sommerfield said the move was to cater for many people who weren’t home from work in time to take advantage of the allowed times, as well as to curb higher than expected water use.

“Current water use is very high, and if the restrictions are brought in, they’ll be given two weeks to get ready, and after that there will be strict patrolling,” she said.

“If you look at the water consumption numbers, they are really scary.”