Nobby moves to Medium level water restrictions

Nobby residents will move to Medium level water restrictions from Wednesday this week. (September 25)

Toowoomba Regional Council Water and Waste Committee chair Cr Nancy Sommerfield said ongoing stress on the town’s bores forced Council to change the restriction level.

“This is simply a consequence of the ongoing drought,” Cr Sommerfield said.

“Unfortunately, the lack of rain is placing significant stress on the bores that supply Nobby.

“Council officers are monitoring the bores daily and it now is necessary to tighten Nobby’s restrictions to conserve our precious water supplies.

“Our community has been particularly understanding and does realise the importance of observing our water restriction requirements to reduce their water consumption. I am most appreciative of residents’ ongoing efforts.

“The Medium level restriction target is 200 litres per person, per day. The Medium level has tighter restrictions around garden watering and more specific times for several outdoor water uses, such as cleaning, filling pools and for newly established gardens. No garden watering is allowed on Mondays. **Please see the Medium level restrictions listed below.

“We’re one of the many regions facing drought conditions, along with our neighbouring areas.

“Council continues to monitor our water supplies and is working with the other levels of government and the private sector to explore long-term water supply options.”

Residents are advised that the winter hose watering hours (4.30pm-5.30pm) continue to September 30 before the revised summer watering hours, from 5.30pm-6.30pm start from October 1 (continuing to March 31).

For more detail on water restrictions, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/waterrestrictions or contact Council on 131 872.

Medium level water restrictions: Allowed watering times

• Garden watering - bucket: Tuesday to Sunday before 8am and after 4pm

• Garden watering - hose with trigger or twist nozzle: Winter - 1 April to 30 September: 4.30pm to 5.30pm; Summer - 1 October to 31 March: 5.30pm to 6.30pm Odd numbered properties on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday; Even numbered properties Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

• Garden watering – efficient sprinkler or irrigation system: Winter - 1 April to 30 September: 4.30pm to 5.30pm Summer - 1 October to 31 March: 5.30pm to 6.30pm Odd numbered properties on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday Even numbered properties on Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

• Lawn watering - hose, efficient sprinkler or irrigation system: Not permitted

• Newly established gardens and lawns: 1 hour (anytime) only on the day of establishment (no set time) and 1 hour daily (4 - 7am or 4 - 7pm) for 21 days after establishment (including Mondays)

• Swimming pools - filling: Permitted

• Swimming pools - topping up: Between 4pm and 7pm

Odd numbered properties on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday; Even numbered properties on Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

• Vehicle washing - bucket: Permitted anytime

• Vehicle washing - hose or high pressure spray: Winter - 1 April to 30 September: 4.30pm to 5.30pm Summer - 1 October to 31 March: 5.30pm to 6.30pm Odd numbered properties on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday Even numbered properties on Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

• Washing of buildings and outdoor entertainment areas - bucket: Permitted anytime

• Washing of buildings and outdoor entertainment areas - hand held hose or high pressure unit: Winter - 1 April to 30 September: 4.30pm to 5.30pm Summer - 1 October to 31 March: 5.30pm to 6.30pm Odd numbered properties on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday; Even numbered properties on Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

• Washing paved surfaces: Not permitted except where reasonable actions need to be taken to address significant soiling of paved surfaces or to prevent material risks associated with an accident or hazard to health, safety or the environment. Note: Properties without a number are categorised with even numbers.

Regulations for businesses: Business users (>10ML/yr): Must operate in accordance with a Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP) approved by Council.

Business users (1-10ML/yr): Must ensure that all taps, shower heads and trigger sprays are water-efficient.

Business users (nurseries, cooling towers, irrigation areas): Must operate in accordance with Water Conservation Plans approved by Council.

Mobile commercial operators (washing external surfaces, pets or vehicles): Must meet our registration and training requirements, and operate in accordance with the relevant washing guidelines.

Active playing surfaces (local turfed and non-turfed, clubs, schools): Must be operated in accordance with our active playing surfaces guidelines.