WaterWatch update – dry conditions set to continue, more towns can soon expect restrictions

WaterWatch update – dry conditions set to continue, more towns can soon expect restrictions

The following comments are attributable to Liz Hafner, TasWater Head of Communications and Engagement.

“Continuing dry weather, as well as a minimal rainfall forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology, continue to threaten Tasmania’s water catchments.

“Many areas across the state have seen their lowest rainfall on record for the year to date, and the Bureau is predicting a 75 per cent chance of significantly less rain than average over the medium to long term.

“The ongoing lack of rainfall has seen an increased likelihood that restrictions will be needed unless usage drops or there is significant rain in several catchments.”

Current systems close to requiring stage one restrictions are:

·         Oatlands; and

·         Whitemark.

“Greater Launceston is also being monitored closely, with flows currently steady in the catchment. However, restrictions are likely if no rainfall occurs in the coming weeks.

“The lack of forecast rain and lower than average flow in many river systems across Tasmania, including the St Patricks, South Esk, Liffey, Aspley, Swan and Mersey river systems, has also seen TasWater escalate 19 catchments from "okay” to “watch”.

The catchments currently on watch are:

·         Bicheno

·         Bothwell

·         Bracknell

·         Coles Bay

·         Conara

·         Cornwall

·         Deloraine

·         Dover

·         Grassy

·         Mathina

·         Maydena

·         Mole Creek

·         Rocky Creek

·         Rosebery

·         Rossarden

·         St Helens

·         St Marys

·         Strahan

·         Tunbridge

“There are currently three systems already on restrictions, with Lady Barron and Scamander on stage one restrictions, and Orford and Triabunna on stage two restrictions.

“Unless significant rainfall arrives, there is a high chance that Orford and Triabunna could move to stage three restrictions in the coming weeks.

“As always, we encourage all Tasmanians to conserve water and Save Our Thing where possible.

“Small changes to water usage, like taking shorter showers and using the half-flush on the toilet, add up when done by tens of thousands of people to have a huge impact on water supplies across the state.”

For the latest BoM charts go here: BOM charts  

For up-to-date system information go to Water supply status | TasWater