ARTIFICIAL turf rebates have been deemed too expensive, but residents might be able to dust off their high-pressure washers later this year in the city receives enough rain.
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Orange City Council staff responded to various water proposals from councillors.
Meanwhile, councillor Glenn Taylor asked for high-pressure hoses to be used on cars because they were more water efficient.
Technical services director Ian Greenham thanked the councillors for their suggestions.
On the question of artificial turf, Mr Greenham calculated an 800 square metre lot would have about 270 square metres of turf, including the nature strip.
With artificial turf costing $75 a square metre on average, it would cost the landowner $20,250 and a 25 per cent rebate from the council would set ratepayers back $5062, which staff did not support.
Any rebate would not result in saving water that isn't already saved through the current demand management restrictions.
- Technical services director Ian Greenham
"This is well in excess of the water tank rebate," Mr Greenham said in the report.
"Watering of turf on residential properties is prohibited under levels four, five and six, therefore, any rebate would not result in saving water that isn't already saved through the current demand management restrictions."
Meanwhile the cost to lay artificial turf on the museum roof was estimated between $82,500 and $110,000.
"This is a significant spend in comparison with the ongoing use of water to maintain the museum roof at present," Mr Greenham said.
The roof is exempt from water restrictions.
Restrictions were also considered on the question of an exemption for high-pressure washers to clean cars at home, given car washing was not allowed under level five.
"The standard high pressure hose [at] 1500-2000 psi utilises approximately one third of the water of a trigger hose rated at 20 litres a minute," he said.
"It is more efficient, but if given a broad exemption under level five restriction it will undermine the intent of demand management."
However, he said a on- off exemption could be considered in spring if winter rains replenished storage levels.
Cr Taylor accepted the report, but said pressure cleaners were not only for washing cars.
"They're for hygiene in dining areas as well," he said.
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