Molong residents almost certain to face tougher water restrictions

Published on 01 October 2019

With summer approaching and no significant flows into Molong Creek Dam, Molong residents are almost certain to face tougher water restrictions in coming weeks.

Level 4 water restrictions are in place in the town but, unless there is heavy rain in the next fortnight, Level 5 restrictions are expected to be introduced by the end of the month.

Molong Creek Dam is quickly approaching its lowest level since 2001.

Cabonne Council is considering a number of short, medium and long-term initiatives to provide water security for the Shire in the future. The Council supplies water to Molong, Cumnock and Yeoval, while other towns and villages are supplied by Central Tablelands Water.

Mayor Kevin Beatty said the Council appreciated Molong residents’ endeavours to save water and comply with the current Level 4 restrictions.

“However, with no end to the drought in sight, there will almost certainly be a need for a higher level of restrictions as the weather warms up,” he said.

The Mayor said the Council would be watering only selected parks and reserves with bore and tank water and would use bore water to top up Molong swimming pool before the swimming season starts.

Retail, commercial and industrial businesses have been asked to provide Water Savings Actions Plans to demonstrate where they can use less water in their operations.

When the tougher restrictions come into effect, access may be restricted to the Molong standpipe for people wishing to purchase water to cart to homes on rural properties. However, under the present Central Tablelands Water restrictions, access will be available to Central Tablelands water standpipes in other towns and villages, including Manildra.

The following regulations are likely to apply under Level 5 restrictions:

LAWNS

No watering.

RESIDENTIAL GARDENS

No sprinklers, micro-sprays or soaker hoses.
Buckets, watering cans and drip systems permitted during limited hours on one day a week only: Sundays (daylight saving time 6pm-7pm.)

WATER FEATURES

No.

NEW TURF

No.

SWIMMING POOLS

No topping up.

POP-UP CHILDREN’S POOLS

No.

WASHING CARS AT HOME

No.

BATHS AND SHOWERS

Suggested limit of 3 minute shower. One shallow bath per day.

WASHING MACHINES

Full loads only.

EVAPORATIVE COOLERS

Only to be used 7am to midnight daily.