Central Coast goes on Level 1 water restrictions with dam expected to drop
So the Central Coast is about to go on Level 1 water restrictions — here’s everything you need to know about how it affects you.
Central Coast
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The rain might be coming down across the Central Coast but from Monday the region will join Sydney and the Hunter Valley on water restrictions.
Level 1 restrictions will apply across the coast from Monday with Mangrove Creek Dam water storage levels expected to dip below the 50 per cent trigger point set by council last year.
Under Level 1 restrictions residents and visitors will only be allowed to water gardens with a watering can, bucket or hose with a trigger nozzle before 10am or after 4pm.
Vehicles must be washed on the lawn and paths, driveways and buildings must be swept with a broom instead of being hosed down.
Fixed sprinklers and micro sprays are banned.
Restrictions will apply to all outdoor water use, including water from urban rainwater tanks which are connected to, or topped-up by, town drinking water.
Storage in Mangrove Creek Dam is 50.09 per cent and despite the forecast rain the dam level is still expected to dip slightly below that trigger point in coming days.
Restrictions will not be lifted until Mangrove Creek Dam’s storage rises above 52 per cent.
Council’s Water and Sewer director Jamie Loader said the restrictions complemented council’s ongoing investment in water infrastructure which had put the region in a strong position to face a prolonged drought.
“In the past decade, we have made significant investments in the coast’s water infrastructure and this has paid off, with our dams levels holding relatively steady in comparison to those in neighbouring regions where restrictions were required some months ago,” Mr Loader said.
“Level 1 restrictions will support this water conservation and help us to potentially avoid Level 4 or 5 restrictions and their very stringent measures.
“Council continues to invest in our water infrastructure with the upgrading of the Mardi Water Treatment Plant and the construction of the Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline, which will begin early this year.”
Under Level 1 restrictions, some exemptions will be available for customers in limited circumstances.
Exemption applications will be available at Council’s customer service centres and online.
Mayor Lisa Matthews congratulated residents on the way they have already embraced water conservation and council’s “Live to 150L” message which encourages everyone to use a maximum of 150 litres per person per day.
“Thanks to everyone’s ongoing conservation efforts, our dam levels have only fallen gradually,” she said.
“This combined with good infrastructure and the introduction of restrictions, helps to reduce pressure on our water supply.
“Together we can make sure every drop counts and continue to protect our precious water supply now and in the future.”
As of 6pm yesterday Mangrove Mountain recorded 34mm of rain while 34.4mm of rain was recorded at Norah Head.
Heavy rainfall between 40mm-90mm is expected across the coast until Monday.