Enforcement of Water Restrictions Begins

A TEN percent reduction in the high security water allocation at Glenbawn Dam triggered Level 1 water restrictions on July 1 for most of the Upper Hunter Shire area, with enforcement of the restrictions beginning today.

Residents who breach the restrictions will be given a warning and on the third breach receive a $200 penalty.

Aberdeen, Cassilis, Merriwa and Scone are on Level 1 restrictions, while Murrurundi has been on Level 6 restrictions for some time.

On Level 1 restrictions the following must be adhered to:

• Time restrictions: watering lawns and gardens should only occur between 6am – 10am and 4pm – 10pm each day during September. In October until April the times change to 6am – 9am and 6pm – 9pm.
• Watering lawns: Is permitted with watering systems, microsprays, drip systems and soaker hoses, non fixed sprinklers and hand held hoses only;
• Watering residential gardens: Is permitted with watering systems, microsprays, drip systems and soaker hoses, non fixed sprinklers and hand held hoses only.
• Top up or fill garden water features: Is permitted.
• Irrigation of new turf: Is permitted for one week after laying.
• Washing walls or paved surfaces: NOT permitted.
• Topping up swimming pools or spas: Permitted.
• Washing cars: Permitted with bucket and rinse trigger hose at any time.
• Evaporative air-conditioners: Permitted.
• Use inflatable or temporary pool: Permitted.

There are other rules for non-residential water users, which can be found on the Upper Hunter Shire Council website.