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With continuing dry conditions across the East Coast, and no significant rainfall on the medium and long-term forecasts, the towns of Orford and Triabunna will see stage three water restrictions begin from Monday, 27 April.
TasWater Head of Communications and Engagement Liz Hafner said the decision to implement stage three restrictions for the two towns was not made lightly.
“We appreciate the efforts the communities in Orford and Triabunna have already made in reducing water usage over the previous months, but unfortunately we are left with no option but to increase restrictions further,” Mrs Hafner said.
“Orford and Triabunna’s water is fed from the Upper and Lower Prosser dams, which are under extreme pressure during this period of minimal rainfall. The Upper Prosser Dam currently sits at 18 per cent capacity and is facing further drops unless significant rainfall arrives.
“Fortunately, due to a release from the Upper Dam, the Lower Dam sits at 83 per cent capacity, but the reality is that without significant rain, that will not last long.”
Stage three restrictions are designed to reduce non-essential use of water by approximately 75 per cent. Watering of residential, public and commercial gardens is limited to levels intended to prevent long term vegetation damage and watering of lawns is banned.
“This will mean a change to the routines of some residents, but these changes will significantly boost the amount of water available in the system,” Mrs Hafner said.
More details about stage 3 restrictions can be found here: Water restriction guidelines | TasWater
Mrs Hafner said TasWater constantly monitors local conditions.
“Once we’ve seen consistent rain and stronger flows into the dams, we will move to lift restrictions,” she said.
“For now, the escalated limitation of water use will help us ensure it is available when residents, visitors and businesses turn on their taps.”
Tasmanians can all play our part in saving ‘our thing’ now and for the future.
For up-to-date system information and water restriction guidelines, go to Water supply status | TasWater.
What do stage 3 water restrictions mean?
The aim of stage 3 restrictions is to reduce non-essential water usage by 75 per cent.
Residential, public and commercial gardens and lawns grounds
Garden watering is restricted to allocated days*** during the following times:
· Manual watering systems: 6am and 8am, and 8pm and 10pm*
· Handheld hoses with a trigger nozzle, buckets or watering cans: 6am and 8am, and 8pm and 10pm
· No other sprinkler/spray systems are allowed
· Automated systems are banned **
· Watering of lawns is banned at all times.
* Manual watering systems are those that physically require a tap to be turned on, this includes taps with shut off timers
** Automatic watering systems are any systems that include electronic control units
*** Allocated days: Odd-numbered properties may water on odd dates for example the 1st, 3rd, 5th and so on. Even and no-numbered properties may water on even dates for example the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and so on; All properties may water on the 31st of any month or 29 February.
Sporting grounds
Watering of non-exempt playing surfaces is banned.
Exempt surfaces (i.e. cricket pitch, golf and bowling greens, croquet greens, tennis courts, golf tees and greens and synthetic hockey pitches) can be watered on allocated days*** during the following times:
· Manual watering systems: 6am and 8am, and 8pm and 10pm *
· Automatic watering systems: midnight and 4am **
· Handheld hoses with a trigger nozzle, buckets or watering cans: 6am and 8am, and 8pm and 10pm.
* Manual watering systems are those that physically require a tap to be turned on, this includes taps with shut off timers
**Automatic watering systems are any systems that include electronic control units
*** Allocated days: Odd-numbered properties may water on odd dates for example the 1st, 3rd, 5th and so on. Even and no-numbered properties may water on even dates for example the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and so on; All properties may water on the 31st of any month or 29 February.
Paving, concrete and other hard surfaces
Hosing of these surfaces for spot cleaning for safety, health, animal welfare or emergency reasons with a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or with high pressure cleaning equipment is permitted only, anytime on any day – except in an emergency, or for construction, health and safety purposes.
Washing vehicles
Only vehicle windows, mirrors, lights, registration plates or spot removal of corrosive substances may be done at any time using a bucket or watering can.
Commercial carwashes (using less than 70 litres of water per vehicle where water is drawn from a TasWater reticulated water system): Vehicles may only be washed for health and safety reasons or other emergencies at commercial car washes at any time.
Residential or commercial pools and spas
Pools and spas cannot be filled, added to or replaced without prior written approval from TasWater.
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