LEVEL 5 water restrictions are in place in Murrurundi from midnight (Thursday, December 15) until further notice.
Upper Hunter Shire Council has introduced the restrictions as algae has been detected in the Murrurundi dam, which is no longer being used as the source of town water.
Murrurundi’s town water is safe to drink.
Water is being sourced from the Pages River, pumped to a chlorination plant and to a concrete reservoir to feed into the town water system, bypassing the dam.
Level 5 water restrictions include:
· No watering of lawns
· Watering residential gardens: no use of hand held hoses or non fixed sprinklers. Use microsprays, drip systems and soaker hoses only between 6pm and 8pm on Sundays and Wednesdays.
· No water to be used for pools, water features, washing exterior surfaces or cars.
Level 5 water restrictions aim to reduce use of town water by 70 per cent.
Residents and businesses are asked to respect the restrictions while they are required.
“We all need to save water wherever possible,” mayor Wayne Bedggood said.
“The Murrurundi dam continues to be treated and tested and, if there is good rain or cooler weather, the dam should be available again as a source of potable water, soon.
“This highlights our need for supplementary water infrastructure, whether they be water treatment plants or a dedicated water pipeline.”
More information on water restrictions can be seen on the council’s websitewww.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au within the Drought Management Emergency Response Plan 2014 or contact council on 6540 1100.
