Heavy Rains May Ease Water Restrictions

Following severe weather over the June long weekend and the substantial rainfall that followed, many people are asking what will happen with current water restrictions. Our two smaller dams at Mardi and Mooney are both full. Our larger dam at Mangrove Creek is now at 16.9%. Total dam storage has therefore increased to 21.9%. Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils’ Water Authority Board met on Wednesday to review the situation. They looked at a number of factors including the rise in our total dam storage levels, time of year, current demand for town water and Bureau of Meteorology predictions for future rainfall on the Central Coast. Based on all this analysis, the Board has recommended a roll-back to the previous Level 3 water restrictions for the Central Coast. It is also recommended that the daily average usage target of 150 litres per person per day be retained as a useful guide to ensure water is being used as efficiently as possible by residents in and around their homes. This is only a recommendation, however, and will need to be adopted by both Councils at their upcoming meetings before the final decision is made. Even with the potential easing of restrictions, however, it is important to still use water as efficiently as possible. Please remember, the our dams are still only at 21.9%. Level 3 restrictions allow the town water use of watering cans on gardens and buckets to top up pools and clean cars. Boat owners can also use town water to flush their engines for five minutes. The use of hoses is still prohibited, except for health and safety reasons.