ON TAP: Level two restrictions are still in place.
DESPITE Orange’s water supply sitting at full capacity, Orange residents are being reminded to adhere to level two water restrictions.
Orange mayor John Davis told the Central Western Daily if there were no restrictions in place it would be hard to argue that we need extra water.
“I believe there should be some restrictions,” Cr said.
“Using water every second day isn’t bad.
“There’s a bit of restriction in regards to washing cars, but I’d think most people would think that it’s okay.”
Mr Davis said while Dubbo and Bathurst don’t have any restrictions in place, he thought Orange was setting a good example.
“I congratulate our community for being so water conscious,” he said.
Orange City Council spokesperson Nick Redmond said as dams were currently at capacity “we are in good shape coming into summer”.
However Mr Redmond said despite the current dam levels, dry weather is predicted.
“If you look at the DPI (Department of Primary Industries) drought map about 15 per cent of the state to the north west of Orange is now categorised as marginal,” Mr Redmond said.
“Water usage is still quite low with the average per person per day rate this week (week ending October 12) at 162 litres.”
Recent changes to water restrictions were made to the hours of usage thanks to the onset of daylight saving.
“The hours were 7am to 10am in the morning and 4pm to 7pm at night, however with the start of daylight saving they have been changed to 6am to 9am and 6pm to 9pm,” Mr Redmond said.
Residents who have an even house number are able to water on an event date, i.e. if your house number is number 14 then you can water on the 22th, 24th and 26th of October within the permitted hours.
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au