THE recent heavy rains on the Fraser Coast have helped bump Lenthall’s Dam back above 50 per cent capacity.
Water from the dam – which as of 14 November 2021 was sitting at 52.3 per cent capacity – is used to supply Hervey Bay and surrounding areas.
WHEW: Wet weather forecast for Hervey Bay as Level 3 water restrictions kick in
The dam’s water levels have been a major talking point after areas serviced by the Hervey Bay supply network were thrust into Level 3 water restrictions on Monday, November 8.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the areas stretching from Burrum Heads and Howard across to River Heads would face tighter restrictions due to insufficient rainfall in the Lenthall’s Dam catchment area.
Cr Seymour was quoted in an official statement released by Council saying that Level 3 restrictions target outdoor water use, as “about half our water use is outdoors so that’s where the most opportunities are to save water and where restrictions are targeted.”
NOW READ: Level 3 water restrictions for Hervey Bay
Under the new restrictions, sprinklers and irrigation systems will be banned and residents in the Hervey Bay water supply network will only be allowed to water established gardens with a hose for an hour a day, three days a week.
Watering established lawns with town water will not be permitted and cars, boats and pets can only be washed with a bucket.
The restrictions also mean children’s play pools cannot be used.
Maryborough and surrounding areas remain under Level 2 water restrictions.
WATER RESTRICTIONS: Is your property under Level 2 or 3? Find our here
Teddington Weir is currently at 105.3 per cent.
Level 3 water restrictions for Hervey Bay:
- Hand-held hoses are permitted between 5pm and 6pm to water established gardens at even numbered properties on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and odd numbered properties on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, but must have a water efficient nozzle;
- Irrigation systems (sprinklers, drippers, soaker hoses) are banned and watering established lawns with town water is not permitted;
- Washing windows and external walls, and cleaning paved or concrete surfaces, is only allowed with buckets. Commercial cleaning businesses can use high pressure cleaners;
- Boat motor and trailing flushing is permitted at any time for a maximum of five minutes at a low water flow;
- Filling swimming pools, spas and water features is permitted with buckets at any time and with hand-held hoses before 8am or after 5pm to maintain minimum operating levels; and
- Washing cars, boats and pets can only be done with a bucket. Children’s play pools, toys and water slides cannot be used.
Level 2 restrictions for Maryborough include:
- Hand held hoses are permitted between 6pm and 8am but must have a water efficient trigger nozzle;
- Irrigation systems (sprinklers, drippers, soaker hoses) are permitted on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays between 6pm and 8am only;
- Washing windows and cleaning paved or concrete surfaces, external walls or public facilities is permitted at any time but only with a water efficient, high pressure device (eg gerni);
- Boat motor and trailer flushing is permitted at any time for a maximum of five minutes at a low water flow;
- Filling of swimming pools, spas and water features is only permitted between 6pm and 8am and must be monitored at all times; and
- Vehicle and boat cleaning is permitted at any time with handheld hoses (fitted with a water efficient trigger nozzle).
For an update on the latest storage levels at Lenthalls Dam and Teddington Weir, click here.
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