Unless there's heavy rain in the next fortnight, Molong will face tougher water restrictions limiting people to three minute showers, cutting garden watering to an hour a week, and banning the use of sprinklers, soaker hoses, washing cars at home and filling swimming pools, even inflatables.
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Cabonne Council spokesman Dale Jones said Molong was subject to Level 4 restrictions for about four months but the council was considering moving to Level 5 because Molong Creek Dam was quickly approaching its lowest level since 2001 when it dropped to 37 per cent capacity.
Under Level 4 people were banned from watering lawns and watering of gardens was reduced to the use of micro sprays, drip systems and soaker hoses to between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesdays and Sundays.
It also limited people to five minute showers or one bath per person per day, and using evaporative air-conditioners only between 7am and midnight.
Under level 5 there would also be restricted access to the town's standpipe. However, access would still be available at Central Tablelands Water standpipes in other towns and villages, including Manildra.
Mayor Kevin Beatty said the council would water only selected parks and reserves with bore and tank water and would use bore water to top up the swimming pool ahead of the swimming season.
Retail, commercial and industrial businesses have been asked to provide Water Savings Actions Plans to demonstrate how they could use less water.
"With no end to the drought in sight, there will almost certainly be a need for a higher level of restrictions as the weather warms up," Cr Beatty said.
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