Water restrictions to be introduced for Eurobodalla Shire as dry summer looms

Water restrictions are coming to the Far South Coast.

Eurobodalla Shire Council director of infrastructure Graham Attenborough said that with dry conditions expected to continue into summer, the shire was moving to Level 1 water restrictions from 2 December.

“Although our water storage at Deep Creek Dam remains full, water in the Deua and Tuross rivers is falling,” he said.

“Unless we get consistent and significant rain before Christmas we will be unable to pump enough from the rivers to match demand.

“Water restrictions help ensure supply over our busy Christmas period.”

Unless there is significant rain before mid-December, it is likely Level 2 water restrictions will come into effect over the peak summer period, according to Council.

Under the Level 1 restrictions, washing hard services (such as pathways and driveways) and using sprinklers, micro-spray systems and unattended hoses is banned.

Washing of watercraft, trailers and vehicles at boat ramps will also be banned, and boat motors must be flushed on grass.

Gardens can be watered between 5 pm and 10 am with a handheld hose or drip irrigation system, while private vehicles can be washed using buckets, with a final rinse by trigger nozzle hose, between 5 pm and 10 am.

Those restrictions would also be introduced with an information campaign directed at visitors telling them about the restrictions.

Eurobodalla Shire draws its water from two places throughout the year.

Between February and November, the whole shire is supplied by its northern system, which draws water from the Deua River to store at Deep Creek Dam and feed the northern water treatment plant.

Over December and January, an extra 4 ML per day is added from the southern system from the Tuross River to the southern water treatment plant.

This is as demand spikes during the holiday period and can exceed the 20 ML per day capacity of the northern treatment plant.

Mr Attenborough said Council encouraged residents and visitors to conserve water at all times, however.

“Level 1 water restrictions simply formalise the basic water-saving measures we should all be practising,” he said.

Mr Attenborough said constructing the $130 million Southern Water Supply Storage – with its 3000 ML dam in the shire’s south – was a priority for Council.

“The southern dam will go a long way to securing Eurobodalla’s water supply into the future,” he said.

“We’re on track for a late 2024 completion but significant rain to fill it will be required before it becomes fully operational and integrated.

“In the meantime, we will continue to use water restrictions as needed to maintain supply capacity and ensure adequate storage.

Further information on water supply can be found by visiting council’s website or by calling the water hotline on 1800 441 070.”