Central Coast Council is urging all residents and businesses to use water wisely in the wake of the state-wide drought impacting NSW.

Council Senior Manager for Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said that whilst total water storage levels for the Central Coast are in a relatively healthy position, Council is closely monitoring water levels.

“Our total water storage levels are currently at 59.8 percent,” Ms Nel said.

“The infrastructure we have built over several years and the strategies we have implemented mean that our total water storage levels are currently in a good position.

“This being said, the prolonged dry weather has had an impact on our total water storage levels.

“If the current dry conditions continue it may be necessary to introduce water restrictions in the future.

“In the meantime, we want our community to continue to use water when they need to, but to remember to use it efficiently.

“It’s easy to forget the simple ways we can reduce our water usage – like turning the tap off when brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers or using a trigger nozzle on your hose – but these actions can make a difference.

“By simply taking a few steps to be more water wise, we can help conserve this precious resource for the future.”

Water restrictions were last introduced on the Central Coast in 2002 when total water storage levels dropped to approximately 43 percent during the Millennium Drought.

The point for introducing water restrictions is based on a range of factors including water demands, seasonal outlook, population growth and best practice water resource management.

To help the community use water resources wisely, the Central Coast has permanent water wise rules including: watering with a sprinkler, irrigation system or a trigger nozzle hose any day before 10am or after 4pm to avoid the heat of the day; all hand held hoses must have a trigger nozzle; all vehicles should be washed with a bucket, trigger nozzle or pressure cleaner; and no hosing of paths and driveways.

Mayor Jane Smith said she was heartened by the generosity of the Central Coast community for NSW farmers hardest hit by the drought.

“Across the Coast, I am seeing so much compassion and generosity for our drought-affected farmers,” Mayor Smith said.

“With this drought taking its toll and with climate change clearly a factor in the increased frequency and severity of droughts, it is timely that Central Coast Council has developed the first draft Climate Change Policy for our region.”

Central Coast Council is the largest Council in NSW to manage its own water supply system, delivering water to a population of 330,000 people via over 2,200 kilometres of pipelines.