December 4, 2020
Western Downs Regional Council has tightened water restriction levels across parts of the region due to soaring water use during the current hot spell.
The changes will affect residents connected to the Bell, Chinchilla, Condamine, Dalby, Jandowae and Tara supplies, and will take effect from midnight on Friday (December 4).
Cr Peter Saxelby said it was vital the community worked together to conserve water, with extreme heat conditions putting pressure on town water supply.
“We know our region has experienced extreme heat conditions in recent times and it is natural for residents to do all they can to keep cool, but this has led to some towns using more water than Council is able to produce,” Cr Saxelby said.
“This has forced us to reassess water restriction levels so we can keep up with current demand and reduce pressure on our water treatment plants as part of our water management strategy.”
The six towns will move to a “conservation” water restriction level which means a target of 300 litres per person, per day.
Handheld hoses are still able to be used however people can only water between 6:00am and 9:00am and 4:00pm and 7:00pm on their designated watering days.
Watering on Mondays is prohibited for all Western Downs residents.
Footnote: At Wednesday’s SBRC Standing Committee meeting, Cr Roz Frohloff noted that average water consumption in the South Burnett is currently about 140 litres per person, per day.
