Townsville adopts tougher Level 2 water restrictions
Date published: 27 October 2015
Townsville has moved to tougher Level 2 water restrictions after hitting the trigger point of 30 % in the Ross River Dam.
The tighter restrictions will allow only evening use of sprinklers on allocated days and sets a daily consumption target for the city of 135 megalitres.
The Townsville City Council has also cut irrigation of parks by another 10% on top of the 14% reduction made at Level 1, and stepped up suburban patrols to oversee compliance.
Mayor Cr Jenny Hill and Townsville Water and Waste Committee chairman Cr Ray Gartrell today announced the tougher measures to prolong the city’s water reserves.
"We need everyone to play a part in reducing the city’s water consumption to make our reserves stretch as far as possible," Cr Hill said.
"The city’s current consumption is ranging between 160megaltires to as high as 200 megalitres and cannot be sustained.
"Even with the Burdekin pipeline, the city needs water from the dam to meet our minimum daily needs.
"Until decent rain comes to replenish the dam, we need to make our reserves in the Ross dam last and everyone can help by sticking to the restrictions. Across the community we need households to reduce their consumption by about 25% to meet the Level 2 restriction targets.
"The council will be writing to every household and business in the city, as well as advertising and utilising social media to raise awareness of the changes.
"Council will also be liaising with schools, sporting and community groups about the changes."
Cr Gartrell said council had allocated additional resources and employed five new compliance officers to carry out water patrols during the day and night.
"Now is the time to check your household irrigation, and make sure timers are set correctly and you are aware of your correct watering days," Cr Gartrell said.
"The council has five dedicated water compliance officers on the road in three vehicles to monitor for breaches and provide advice and feedback to residents.
"Regulatory services staff will also be trained to carry out compliance work as part of their normal duties in the community."
Residents failing to comply will receive initial warnings and repeat offenders will be liable for a $353 on the spot fine.
