Warrumbungle Shire Council: Further water restrictions roll out to Coonabarabran

A council in the state’s west is pleading with residents to be stricter with water usage following a lack of rainfall and high-water consumption. Here’s the latest as dam levels drop.

Coonabarabran will introduce level two water restrictions. Photo is from 2018. (Photo by Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)

A regional town in the state’s west has introduced further water restrictions due to a decline in water capacity in their local dam.

The Warrumbungle Shire Council announced Coonabarabran would move to level two water restrictions at 12am on Friday.

Timor Dam, which is Coonabarabran’s main water catchment, has fallen to below 60 per cent, triggering the local town’s water supply.

Further restrictions come as council introduced level one water restrictions to Baradine, Binnaway, Mendooran and Merrygoen in October and November last year.

The Warrumbungle Shire had introduced water restrictions in regional towns because of an increase of water usage and a lack of rainfall. Picture: Toby Zerna

Mayor Ambrose Doolan said the main water catchment had fallen because of a lack of rainfall and high-water usage by residents.

“Residents are reminded that these water restrictions are in place for a reason, and it is important to preserve water usages where possible,” Mr Doolan said.

Under level two water restrictions, there is a target water consumption of 240 litres per person per day for households.

Between 6am to 9am and 6pm to 9pm every second day, residents are permitted to water their gardens by watering systems, non-fixed sprinklers, handheld hoses, micro sprays, drip systems and soaker hoses.

Odd and even numbers of properties would be required to water their gardens on alternative days.

“Council appreciates residents’ ongoing efforts to comply with these water restrictions and the Warrumbungle Water team will continue to monitor water supply levels closely,” Mr Doolan said.

Level one water restrictions will continue to be enforced through Baradine, Binnaway, Merrgoen and Mendooran.

Council will continue to monitor the level of the Castlereagh River closely as well as demand in Baradine.

A social media post by council advised residents to limit their water usage and preserve water wherever possible.