30 Nov 2021
Greater Hobart to be placed on stage 1 water restrictions
The greater Hobart area will be placed on stage 1 water restrictions from 14 December 2021 to help maintain supply to the city and its immediate surrounding areas over the summer holiday period.
TasWater Asset Management Services General Manager, Matt Derbyshire said the impact of months of heavy rain on water quality, along with essential maintenance, has resulted in the need to enter into stage 1 water restrictions.
“These restrictions are based on advice from our engineers, scientists and field operators who monitor our systems across the state,” he said.
“Their aim is to protect drinking water supplies which have become more difficult to treat following recent heavy rainfall causing sediment and debris to run into our rivers.”
Stage 1 water restrictions require only small changes to how people use water, but even small changes can have a significant impact on the amount of water available in the system.
“Many factors were considered before implementing restrictions for the Hobart area, including the increased demand on the water supply during the summer period and the continued impacts of La Niña weather conditions, leading to a predicted wetter than average summer,” Mr Derbyshire said.
“We are expecting continued wet weather over the coming months, which will continue to impact on the water treatment process.
“Implementing these restrictions will help us ensure water is available when residents, visitors and businesses turn on their taps.”
Stage 1 restrictions aim to reduce non-essential water use by 20 per cent by encouraging more conscious use of water at home, outside, and at work.
“We thank the community for their anticipated cooperation to reduce water use and encourage all Tasmanians to consider their water use, as it is a precious and finite resource,” Mr Derbyshire said.
“TasWater is working on water surety improvements for the greater Hobart drinking water supply to increase the capacity of the system into the future, including the Bryn Estyn Water Treatment Plant upgrade.”
“We encourage Hobart locals to spread the word on water conservation and its importance to people visiting the area.”
The greater Hobart area includes all suburbs within the City of Hobart, along with Glenorchy, Brighton, New Norfolk, Kingston, Sorell, Kempton, Colebrook and surrounding suburbs.