While running under the sprinkler all day long is a thing of the past, the current Level 2 water restrictions allow residents to fill and top up swimming pools and outdoor spas between 7am and 9am and 6pm and 8pm any day.

While the Govier family of Orange have not previously had a wading pool in the backyard, mother-of-three Peta Govier said the lack of a children’s pool at Orange Aquatic Centre this year had made her think about buying one for Patrick, 8, Riley, 5, and Haylee, 3.

However, she said water-saving measures were still a priority and had not taken advantage of the ability to water her garden.

“I’ve found letting it get wet with the rain is enough. We’ve got the kind of stuff which survives without much water. It’s really important to conserve water. When I wash clothes I try to catch the water that comes out in a bucket and throw it in the garden,” she said.

Under Level 2 restrictions, residents can water lawns and gardens between 6am and 9am and 6am and 9pm every second day.

Cars may be washed on the lawn any day between 9am and midday with a bucket, and rinsed with a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.

The washing of surfaces including walls, windows and driveways is not allowed.

Orange’s combined water storage level is 99.9 per cent. It was 100 per cent this time last year and 26.2 per cent in January 2010.

ellen.jones@ruralpress.com