The prolonged dry-spell, which according to the Bureau of Meteorology includes the driest July recorded across the state since 2002, has impacted on the shire’s water storage.

A council spokeswoman said the water level in Bamarang Dam was 70.4 per cent, recorded on August 22.

Level one water restrictions ban the washing down of hard surfaces such as paths and driveways. Hand-held hoses may be used at any time for garden and lawn watering or washing vehicles or boats.

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Sprinklers, drip irrigation and topping up of existing can be done at any time, but hoses must be fixed to a timer. 

Shoalhaven mayor Amanda Findley said the level water one water restrictions were the first step in ensuring water levels remained as “steady as possible” to prepare for the warmer months ahead.

“Shoalhaven Water reviewed all the relevant information on water usage, dam levels and long-term forecasts before making the decision to commence water restrictions to level one,” Cr Findley said. 

“There are tried and tested plans in place that trigger the start of water restrictions.

“Water restrictions are about getting the balance right between trying to prolong the amount of water in the dams while still allowing residents to use water how they need it.”

If there was no substantial rainfall in the coming months, level two water restrictions would be announced in the future.

Cr Findley thanked the community in advance for being water-wise during the long dry-spell.

“We all see the effect of the drought on our farmers and agriculture sector and with the level of dry fuel on the ground, there is the increased risk for bushfires which has already commenced in the Shoalhaven,” Cr Findley said.

“Bushfires increase the need for water usage, so we need everyone to play a part.”

Shoalhaven Water will continue to monitor dam levels and will review the restriction level again if more significant rain falls over the catchment.

Some commercial and community users have standard variations to the restrictions levels. All customers can apply for an approved special variation for their water usage if required for a particular reason. 

For more information on water restrictions, standard variations or to apply for a special variation visit Shoalhaven Water’s website at www.shoalwater.nsw.gov.au or phone Shoalhaven Water direct on 1300 662 246.