On the back of our wettest June since 2016, Orange's combined water storage level has passed 80 per cent for the first time since September 2017.

The sudden rise also moves residents from level two water restrictions, which we've been on since August, 2010, to a new series of permanent water saving standards.

This week's rain - almost 50mm worth - has pushed the city's combined storage up by 4.56 per cent in just a couple of days.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd was thrilled to see that trigger point reached once again after the 2019-2020 drought.

He said the new standards of saving water were about changing attitudes towards water use across Orange.

"In October last year, Council adopted a set of water saving standards we must all aim to maintain, when we hit 80 per cent storage," Cr Kidd said.

"Notionally there is not much difference between level two water restrictions for Orange residents and permanent water savings standards, which replaced the traditional level one restrictions.

"Even when our dams are full we want to be sensible with our water use."

Under the permanent water saving standards, there is no level one water restrictions. Permanent water saving standards operate using the same criteria as the current level two water restrictions.

The only marked difference residents will see is no time restrictions on car washing under the new water saving standards.

Orange City Council's infrastructure committee chair Jeff Whitton said the community has been so respectful and conservative about water use for years.

"We set the standard for the rest of the state. For that, we should all be proud," he said.

"These permanent water savings standards are more about maintaining a common-sense approach to our water use."

The week up to June 25, Orange residents used 133 litres of water, per person, per day.

In June 2017, the average water use per person, per day was 178 litres. In 2018, it was 170 litres and in 2019 it was 146 litres per person, per day.

Towards the end of the drought in June 2020, Orange residents used 131 litres per person, per day.

"This proves Orange residents set the standard when it comes to water savings," Cr Whitton said.

Permanent water savings standards will be in place unless the water storage level drops to 70 per cent, at which point the city dip back to level two restrictions.

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