A POOR wet season and prolonged dry season, with no breaking rain, has prompted Douglas Shire Council to issue Level 2 water restrictions from Thursday 8 December.

General Manager Operations Nick Wellwood said the intake levels for all water supplies within the Douglas Shire are still on a downward trend and unable to keep up with demand.

“The physical water level in all intakes is low and representative of drought conditions,” Wellwood said.

“Consumption is on a steady increase in line with seasonal trends which has proven problematic even with Level 1 restrictions.”

Under Level 2 water restrictions, a total ban applies to all sprinklers, with watering only permitted between the hours of 6am - 9am and 6pm - 9pm on alternate days with a:

• Hand-held trigger or twist nozzle;
• Irrigation system (gardens only, no grassed areas); or
• Watering can or bucket.

“Alternate days” shall mean designated days of water use.

• Properties with an odd street number may water on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday;
• Properties with an even street number may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday;
• Properties without a Council-prescribed street number may water on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday;
• No watering is permitted on Monday

On the spot fines (Penalty Infringement Notices) of $365 for Residential Customers and $1828 for Non-Residential Customers apply for non-compliance of restrictions.

Wellwood said Level 2 water restrictions were in particular targeted at eliminating sprinklers, but urged everyone to play their part.

“Every drop of water saved counts and with such an environmentally-aware community we’re appreciative of any efforts to reduce water consumption,” Wellwood said.

“Obviously the larger resorts are our biggest consumers of water and Council will be looking to these operators to lead the way in reducing their water usage for all the community.

“Council Officers will be enforcing these restrictions to ensure our communities are not left high and dry and we thank everyone in the community for your assistance in conserving water.”

Further details of Level 2 restrictions can be found on Council’s website or by contacting Council on 4099 9444.