Tweed residents urged to conserve water

03 September 2018

Despite some rain this week, prolonged dry forecast set to continue

The prolonged dry spell is forecast to continue across the country serving as a timely reminder to Tweed residents to conserve water.

Already, some communities in New South Wales are running low on water, with dam levels down to as little as 10 per cent capacity.

Recently Council released water from Clarrie Hall Dam to maintain sufficient environment flows at Bray Park Weir while still providing for the Tweed District Water Supply.

“These releases are likely to continue so we can fully expect the level of Clarrie Hall Dam to fall,” Acting Manager Water and Wastewater Rob Siebert said.

“In the Tweed we are fortunate as Clarrie Hall Dam is still 99 per cent full. Looking to the coming months the latest climate outlook and forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology is for a dry spring. We all need to start conserving water now to avoid, or at least delay, water restrictions if rain doesn’t come.”

In the Tweed, water restrictions are triggered when the dam falls to 75 per cent capacity. These Level 1 restrictions aim to reduce consumption by 15 per cent. If the dam falls to 40 per cent capacity, the highest level of restrictions is triggered aimed at reducing consumption by 30 per cent.

“Our water consumption figure in the Tweed is going in the wrong direction and we all need to reset the goal to Target 160 litres per person per day to conserve this precious resource.

“In June 2013, the average Tweed resident was using 179 litres of water a day. Now, they are using almost 200 litres of water a day.

“We ask all residents to reset their commitment to Target 160L to avoid, or at least delay, water restrictions if this drought continues.”

For tips on how you can save water and Target 160, visit www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/WaterSavingTips