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With the continuation of the dry spell Council continues to monitor the level of Timor Dam and maintain water bores as a backup, should they be needed. “With Spring now here, the warming weather and minimal rainfall over the last few months, it is as important as ever to be wise with water consumption,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan. “Timor Dam, Coonabarabran’s main source of water is now sitting at 77% and unfortunately the outlook indicates drying conditions for the remainder of the year, this means it is vital for our residents to understand the importance of water conservation.” “Council was able to secure some valuable funding during the last drought to help secure the water supply for not only Coonabarabran but also improvements for other communities throughout the Warrumbungle Shire, however we are not yet fully secure,” said Cr Doolan. “During the last drought Council put down seven new bores, giving a total of 11 operational bores should the need arise to maintain the Coonabarabran water supply. These are not high producing bores but if needed they are believed to be able to supply enough water to the town to maintain a basic supply.” “Fortunately, thanks to the NSW State Government these bores came at very little cost to the residents of the Warrumbungle Shire.” “Council is yet to secure the additional licence capacity to fully use these bores. Currently Council holds a 50ML licence for the supply. An application had been made to increase the allocation to 510ML, unfortunately this was rejected and instead we were advised that an additional 300ML could be applied for, subject to the Department of Planning and Environment—Water's hydrogeological assessment and conditions placed on water supply work.” “Staff have been persistent in following this up with the relevant Government Departments and we hope that soon an approval will be given for the additional allocation,” said Cr Doolan. “To help deliver the water supply from the bores to the water treatment plant Council also secured $2.2M in funding, again from the NSW State Government, for an 8km pipeline. This project was completed under budget earlier this year.” “Council is constantly looking at ways to upgrade and sustain water systems and supplies for all of our communities, however, without regular rainfall supplied to some of Council’s water supply schemes the amount that can be drawn upon for our communities will become restricted,” said Cr Doolan. From how to be waterwise in the garden and using grey water safely, to discovering a range of water efficient products, there are many ways to conserve water in a household and within businesses. Council has a wide range of water saving tips on its website as well as a Home Water Efficiency Audit which you can do on your own home water usage. “We know only too well that water is a very important to our way of life, but it is not an unlimited resource. I would implore everyone to be careful with what you are using water for and the amount of water you are consuming in your household and within businesses,” Cr Doolan concluded. For further information Smart Water Advice and Council’s Drought Management Plan please visit Council’s webpage.
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Last Updated: 04 Sep 2023