WITH the change in seasons comes a variation to the restricted water usage times in Murrurundi for the Level 4 limitations that are currently in place.
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Residents of Murrurundi can now water their residential gardens with micro-sprays, drip systems and soaker hoses between the hours of 4pm and 6pm on Wednesdays and Sundays (previously 6pm to 8pm).
Upper Hunter Shire councillor Josh Brown said due to the end of daylight saving, the restricted usage times in the Drought Management and Emergency Response Plan had changed.
“The Drought Management and Emergency Response Plan allows for earlier watering in the colder months of the year, which we have certainly felt the past couple of weeks,” he said.
“Under the current Level 4 water restrictions, residents can now water their residential gardens with micro-sprays, drip systems, soaker hoses between the hours of 4pm and 6pm on Wednesdays and Sundays.
“Watering of lawns, watering systems, non-fixed sprinklers and hand held hoses are still not permitted at any time.”
Upper Hunter Shire Council recently installed a new Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to more effectively use the water supplies available, which meant the restriction level was able to come down from Level 5 to Level 4.
The Water Treatment Plant has provided some relief, however council is still urging residents to save water where they can.
“The Upper Hunter is experiencing some of the driest conditions for many years,” Cr Brown said.
“Should the dry conditions continue, council may need to implement Level 5 water restrictions again so we would encourage residents to save water while they can.
“The more water we can save, the longer it will be before Level 5 restrictions need to be implemented.”
The Scone to Murrurundi Water Pipeline project is progressing and on target to be completed in 2020.
It will provide Murrurundi with a secure water source from Lake Glenbawn, which will travel 40km underground to Murrurundi reservoirs.
The next three months council will be applying for an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit and will continue to establish easement agreements.
The concept design and contracts are also anticipated to be finalised over the next three months.
The project is estimated to cost $14.2 million, with more than $13 million in funding provided by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Water Security for Regions program.
The remainder of the project funding has been provided by Upper Hunter Shire Council.
