ORANGE'S alternate water sources have reached a key milestone, providing a third of Orange's water supply in the past six months.
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Data from Orange City Council revealed the Macquarie River Pipeline and stormwater harvesting scheme added almost two months' worth of water to Suma Park Dam between October and March, adding up to more than 790 megalitres of water.
Based on the city's current water use, it equates to about 54 days of supply.
Orange mayor Reg Kidd said the two systems combined had made a significant impact on reserves during the past couple of years.
"It hasn't rained much lately and we haven't used the pipeline consistently, but we certainly have been over the last couple of years to keep our supply topped up," he said.
Cr Kidd said without the pipeline and stormwater harvesting system, Orange might have otherwise been in a precarious water situation.
"As it stands, we have 39 per cent storage in our dams and with everyone contributing to water saving measures that will see us through," he said.
Cr Kidd congratulated residents on adapting to level four water restrictions - last week, they used 180 litres per person per day, below the limit of 200 litres.
Restrictions have banned lawn watering, although gardens can be watered between 4pm and 6pm on Wednesdays and Sundays using microsprays, drip systems, soaker hoses or handheld hoses only - non-fixed sprinklers are not allowed.
Car washing is allowed between 9am and 12pm while parked on the lawn.
Showers have been capped at five minutes and baths to one per day, with clothes washing limited to full loads.
Evaporative airconditioners cannot be used between midnight and 7am.
Pools can be topped up between 7am-9am and 6pm-8pm provided covers are used, while first fills can only be done with council permission.
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