Shoalhaven City Council will next week consider implementing level one water restrictions even if the triggers are not met.
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At the next Development and Environment Committee on Tuesday, November 5, councillors will vote on whether to bring in water restrictions from December 2.
If level one water restrictions are approved, washing down of hard surfaces like paths and driveways will be banned. You are still allowed to use a hose at any time to water gardens, boats or cars but a sprinkler system must be set to a timer.
The report, to be provided to councillors, recommends Shoalhaven enter water restrictions based on a number of factors, including that holidaymakers from Sydney are already used to water restrictions.
"December 2, 2019 is the current projected time for triggering Level 1 restrictions based on no significant rainfall," the report said.
"We are heading into the high demand holiday period where water demand traditionally increases by around 40 per cent.
"Porters Creek Dam and Milton Water Treatment Plant will be required for use over the peak period. These have not been utilised due to the current level of Porters Creek Dam."
Although in August Shoalhaven City Council predicted water restrictions would be in place by September, heavy rainfall meant trigger was not met.
The last time the Shoalhaven was in water restrictions was in September 2018 for three months. Before that, restrictions were in place in the summer of 2009 for 128 days.