Level 1 water restrictions will come into effect when storage in Mangrove Creek Dam reaches 50 percent, likely to be in early February. 

The dam is currently at 52.59 percent, and Water Wise Rules apply.  

Earlier this year, Central Coast Council considered future water needs and the long-term weather forecast and lifted the restriction trigger from the previous trigger of 40 percent. 

Last night Council met to again review the water supply and restriction levels and agreed to retain the 50 percent trigger for Level 1 restrictions. 

Council’s Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said Council’s ongoing investment in water infrastructure and residents’ own water conservation has put the region in a strong position to face a prolonged drought. 

“Our dam levels are holding steady, with our total water storage falling by less than two percent in the past three months,” Mr Loader said. 

“Storage-wise, we have more water than at the beginning of the 10-year Millennium Drought in 2002.” 

“While our population has grown since then, we’ve also seen the introduction of water efficient appliances and building practices. On average, each Coast resident is using significantly less water than they did at the beginning of that drought.” 

Residents currently use an average of 180 litres of water per person per day. Earlier this year, Council launched the “Live to 150L” campaign, encouraging everyone to use the equivalent of three buckets less water each day.  

An online suite of tools, including a personal water usage calculator, is part of the campaign. 

Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council is acutely aware of the need to manage water wisely and has established an expert water advisory committee to provide additional advice to Council. 

“We have a solid plan in place to manage the Coast’s water supply,” Mayor Matthews. 

“We are also in a stronger position than other areas which have already moved to water restrictions, due to our significant investment in water infrastructure since the Millennium Drought which continues today. 

“Our residents are already resilient, resourceful and responsible water users who should be applauded for their efforts to reduce water. If and when there’s a need, we’ll ask them to put their shoulder to the wheel again.”  

With summer likely to bring an influx of tourists to the region, Mayor Matthews said she expected most visitors would already have water wise habits, since many have been living with water restrictions in their own area. 

“Tourism is great for the economy of the Coast, and we will continue to promote water wise behaviours to both residents and visitors, regardless of restriction levels.” 

Water Wise Rules apply to outdoor water use. They remind us to: 

• water the garden before 10am or after 4pm to avoid the heat of the day 
• reduce water use by using a trigger nozzle on all hand-held hoses 
• wash vehicles with a bucket or trigger nozzle hose, and on the grass wherever possible 
• avoid hosing paths or driveways and instead use a broom. 

For information about Water Wise Rules and tips to save water, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/lovewater.