Water supply secure despite dam levels dropping

MACARTHUR region residents will not be placed under water usage restrictions despite the first six months of 2018 being the driest on record.

Water levels have dropped at dams across the Macarthur region.

• St John’s Anglican listed on State Heritage Register
• Campbelltown’s tallest building close to completion

MACARTHUR region residents will not be placed under water usage restrictions despite the first six months of 2018 being the driest on record.

The Cataract, Cordeaux, Nepean and Avon dams supply water to the Macarthur and Illawarra regions.

Water levels at these dams have fallen dramatically since this time last year, but authorities have assured the community the region’s water supply is secure.

Water levels at Cataract Dam have fallen to 36.9 per cent.

Cataract Dam is at 36.9 per cent, Avon Dam 62.9 per cent, Cordeaux Dam 40.1 per cent and Nepean Dam is at 51.6 per cent.

A Sydney Water spokesman said that under the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Water Plan restrictions would not be put in place until total dam storage was below 50 per cent.

“The plan ensures our water supply is secure and affordable and resilient to stresses and shocks,” he said.

IN OTHER NEWS

A Water NSW spokesman said dry conditions over the past 15 months meant all Sydney storage levels had fallen.

“Sydney has a highly secure water supply system that has been designed to handle drought conditions,” he said.

Cataract Dam was at capacity in March last year. Picture: Joel Carrett

“While there has been record low rainfall in catchment areas, Sydney’s dams are still two-thirds full.

“Even under continued drought conditions, Sydney has years of supply remaining, including the Macarthur area.”

Menangle Craig Williams is one of many local farmers struggling in the dry conditions. Picture: Robert Pozo

Campbelltown state Labor MP Greg Warren has called on the State Government to communicate how it planned to secure the water supply should storage level continue to fall.