Wentworth council issues restrictions due to “extremely low” water levels

The strict emergency water restrictions put in place for townships near Mildura have been eased slightly. Read the latest.

UPDATED:

Wentworth Shire Council have eased restrictions around water usage in Gol Gol and Buronga.

The council on Friday eased the emergency restrictions to stage one levels, stating the move came after works were completed at Gol Gol raw water pump station.

It means residents can now manually water their gardens but only between 6:00am and 8:00am or 8:00pm to 10:00pm on alternate days.

Automatic watering systems can be used from 12:00am and 4:00am on alternate days, but only as required.

Executive director of river management at the Murray Darling Basin Authority, Andrew Reynolds, said the water level needed to be dropped down to levels lower than normal so the Mildura Weir could be reinstalled.

“Due to the design of the weir it is necessary for the river to drop below the normal pool level before reinstallation of the weir can commence,” he said.

EARLIER:

Water restrictions have been put in place in towns that were flooded by the swollen Murray River just weeks ago.

Wentworth Shire Council issued an emergency water restriction on the towns of Gol Gol and Buronga, just across the state border from Mildura, last Wednesday.

“Extremely low water levels in the Murray River at these locations has impacted on the ability to meet the demand for town supplies,” a statement said.

The water levels at Gol Gol Gol and Buronga are "extremely low", prompting the council to issue restrictions. Photos: Sam Dirkis

Council has instructed locals to only use water for “internal domestic use.”

This means they can’t switch on sprinklers to water their gardens or top up their swimming pools by either automatic or manual means.

Residents have voiced their frustrations that they are being asked to abide by restrictions normally reserved for drought just weeks after major flooding.

Local deli assistant Vicky Readen said the restrictions meant she wouldn’t be able to cultivate a new garden.

“We’ve not long moved into a new house, and [are] trying to establish a garden, which is going to be hard to keep things alive … because we can’t use anything outside,” she said.

“Our neighbours have just put in a new pool that they are not allowed to top up.”

Painter Andrew Johnson managed to cultivate a beautiful garden but is now worried he won’t be able to keep it alive.

Painter Andrew Johnson hopes the council's new restrictions won't ruin his beautiful garden.

“They had a full bloody river and now they’ve got nothing. They can’t organise anything, they’re useless,” he said.

“I just hope my garden doesn’t die.”

Council said they “recognise the inconvenience” and are “working around the clock” to maintain the drinking water.

“Wentworth Shire Council recognises the inconvenience this may place on customers however by restricting water use now, the ability to maintain storage levels during this time of low river levels will be optimised,” a spokesman said.

“Wentworth Shire Council crews are working around the clock and community support of these restrictions is crucial to ensure the existing drinking water supplies are maintained.”

The Murray Darling Basin Authority earlier this week issued a statement that it was working with Goulburn – Murray Water to reinstate the Mildura weir.