Water restrictions will be introduced in Molong on Monday for the first time in many years.
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The lack of rain has seen the level of the Molong Creek Dam fall to 70 per cent capacity sparking the introduction of Level 1 water restrictions.
Home gardens can still be watered through hoses and drip systems however, the use of fixed sprinklers and in-ground systems is only allowed between 7am-9am and 6pm-8pm each day.
Swimming pools and spas can be topped up and using garden water features is still OK.
However residents are not allowed to wash walls or paved areas.
Cars can be washed at home on grass surfaces.
Carting water accessed from the standpipe at Cabonne Council’s depot is still allowed between 7am-4pm.
Council Community Engagement and Development Officer Dale Jones said it was a long time since Molong had water restrictions.
“It is very unusual for Molong,” he said.
“It is the first time in many, many years.”
He said that if the dam level fell to 60 per cent then Level 2 water restrictions, which currently apply in Orange and Yeoval, would have to be implemented.
Mr Jones said it was hoped residents would reduce their water consumption.
He said residents seeking information could contact the council’s engineering department on 6390 7100.
Molong and District Garden Club treasurer Mary Iffland said residents should concentrate on giving their gardens a weekly soak rather than daily sprinkles.
“It’s better to give things a good, deep watering than just giving them a sprinkle each day,” she said.
“If you let the hose run on it slowly it works best.”
She suggested people use mulch and water at night.
“I’ve always watered in the evening because I feel that gives the plants the best chance to make use of the moisture,” she said.
Level 2 water restrictions limit garden watering every second day with houses with odd street numbers watering on odd-numbered days and even numbers on even days.
Dam levels are down with Carcoar sitting at 56 per cent, Burrendong 37 per cent, Oberon 63 per cent, Wyangala 65 per cent and Windamere 42 per cent.
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