Parkes Shire residents are being urged to conserve water, following an influx in water usage over summer. The scorching temperatures across the region have placed an increased pressure on the local water supply. Parkes Shire Council’s Director Infrastructure, Andrew Francis said in order to avoid tightening of restrictions, the community needed to limit water usage.
“To effectively manage water supply and security for residents, Council implements restrictions on water usage under the Local Government Regulation, to ensure water supply is preserved in times of drought or other water scarcity. “Currently, level 1 water restrictions apply in the Parkes Shire, which prohibits the use of watering systems from 10am to 5pm. Residents are permitted to use microsprays, sprinklers and drip systems before 10am and after 5pm daily, while commercial premises are limited to watering outside the hours of 10am and 3pm.”
Andrew reminded residents to take advantage of the old brick pit, which can be used to water gardens, top up swimming pools and other non-consumptive uses around the house.
Here are some water saving ideas:
Wait for a full load before running a dishwasher or washing machine; take shorter showers; turn off the tap while brushing teeth; leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing to prevent water loss through evaporation; reuse the water from your washing machine cycle to water your garden; and use a trigger hose nozzle to avoid wasted water
“Small every day actions around the home add up to big water savings overall, and go a long way to helping the environment,” Andrew said. For the full list of water saving tips, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.