Clarence Valley community urged to reduce water use

Published on 31 October 2023

A combination of low rainfall and high consumption has put Clarence Valley on the brink of water restrictions.

Due to low flow conditions in the Nymboida River, Clarence Valley's water supply is currently being sourced from Shannon Creek Dam.

Clarence Valley Council has Permanent Water Conservation Measures in place. However, dry conditions are predicted to continue and current projections indicate water restrictions are likely in the near future.

Several neighbouring councils have already implemented water restrictions including Bellingen Shire and parts of Tweed Shire, while Rous County Council, which services Ballina, Byron, Lismore and Richmond Valley, anticipates Level One water restrictions will be activated before Christmas.

"It is now an important time for the community to make a concerted effort to adhere to the permanent water conservation measures in order to delay the introduction of water restrictions," CVC Manager Water/Sewer Operations Andrew Potter said.

"Water consumption across the Clarence Valley has steadily risen in recent weeks, including several days above capacity."

The Rushforth Road Water Treatment Plant (RRWTP) has maximum capacity to provide 22 megalitres per day. Average daily consumption (22.39ML/day) exceeded 22ML for the first time in the week ending Sunday 22 October, when consumption peaked at 28.01ML.

There have been another ten days of more than 22ML being pumped out of RRWTP since 21 September, when temperatures reached 37 degrees for the first time heading into the warmer months.

"Generally warmer weather correlates with higher water consumption," Mr Potter said.

"We understand people are keen to keep their lawns and gardens alive. However, we urge people to consider ways they can reduce their usage.

"The rain in recent days is a welcome reprieve, but we are still in drought and are expecting drier than average conditions to continue at least until the end of the year."

In stark contrast to hot, dry days, water consumption in the Clarence Valley last Thursday, Friday and Saturday was 19.19ML, 16,94ML and 14.94ML respectively.

Permanent Water Conservation Measures

Clarence Valley has the following Permanent Water Conservation Measures in place:

• Use of sprinklers and unattended hoses banned from 9am- 4pm;
• Building maintenance allowed with trigger nozzle hoses or pressure cleaners only;
• Hosing any hardstand area (eg driveways, paved/concrete surfaces) banned except for health/safety reasons, or with pressure cleaners;
• Car washing allowed providing, where practical, the runoff is onto a lawn and not down the drain.

For more information visit:
www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Water-and-sewage/Water-Restrictions

For media enquiries please email communications@clarence.nsw.gov.au or phone0427 894 745.