17 Apr 2024
Stage 2 restrictions for Orford and Triabunna as Whitemark asked to conserve water
Low rainfall and warm weather continue to impact water supplies in Tasmania’s east, pushing Orford and Triabunna into stage 2 restrictions and prompting a conserve water message for Whitemark on Flinders Island.
Stage 2 restrictions will be introduced at Orford and Triabunna in the state’s south-east from Monday, 29 April to help maintain water supply.
TasWater Head of Communications and Engagement Callan Paske said recent rain meant TasWater was able to delay the move until after the school holidays but, with little rain forecast, the next level of restrictions was required.
“Stage 2 water restrictions are still focused outside of the home and introduce further changes such as allocated days for watering gardens and sports grounds, but with the watering of lawns no longer permitted,” Mr Paske said.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Whitemark residents are being urged to conserve water and check for leaks as levels at Henderson Dam remain low.
Mr Paske said while the recent upgrade of the dam meant water was still available, TasWater was considering the need for water restrictions to manage the supply.
“We are now at a point in Whitemark where the water usage remains high, which is putting pressure on Henderson Dam,” he said.
“With no major rain forecast this means the dam level has reached a point where water needs to be conserved.
“A decision will be made this week on water restrictions, however at this moment it’s looking likely that Stage 1 measures be required from Monday 29 April.”
In late 2022, TasWater completed a project to more than double the capacity of Henderson Dam providing additional water security to the residents of Whitemark.
“The upgrade to Henderson Dam allowed Whitemark residents access to water through the summer period,” he said.
“The old dam would have been bone dry by now, and water restrictions would have been needed much earlier."
“We know our climate is changing and recent data has shown in the last six years Australia has experienced three of its hottest summers since records began,” he said.
“We constantly monitor local conditions and once we’ve seen consistent rain and strong river flows, we will move quickly to lift restrictions.”
Notices will be placed in The Mercury and Examiner newspapers and on TasWater’s website to inform the public of the restrictions.
Targeted social media posts will also be used to inform the community.
Click here for water saving tips.
Click here for details on water restrictions.