The inevitable result of these weather conditions is a stressed water supply, which has dropped to below 40 percent, triggering a move to level four watering restrictions, effective from Saturday, April 6.

As the dry conditions appear set to continue, it is quite possible that Orange may be placed on level five restrictions in the not-too-distant future.

Nobody argues with the necessity for water restrictions. We require their imposition if we are to conserve water in times when our supply is low.

An important addition to water restrictions are rules for water conservation which need to be in place throughout the year and are not dependent on current water availability.

The existing water levels encourage a 'boom and bust' mentality, which encourages excessive water use when times are good, and restriction when times are bad.

What is needed are commonsense permanent water-saving rules that provide guidance to water users consistently throughout the year.

The millennium drought and water pricing changed the water consumption habits of many of the citizens of Orange. So much so that their water use is below those imposed by the permanent level two water restrictions.

This would indicate that there is an opportunity to encourage water-saving practices throughout the year, regardless of the level of water restrictions.

These rules need to be based on commonsense, be acceptable to the public and need to be consistently enforced.

Permanent water-saving rules have the capacity to provide guidelines for the public and will reinforce and reward the already existing water saving behaviour displayed by Orange residents.

The state of Victoria has recognised the wisdom of this approach to water management. All Victorian towns are subject to permanent water saving rules, which are in place at all times, except when it is necessary to implement staged water restrictions. Orange could follow Victoria's example.

Climate modelling has predicted south-eastern Australia will have a reduced rainfall in future years. It is up to us to adjust our water use accordingly. Permanent water-saving rules will help.