Mullum, you’re awesome with water

The Mullumbimby community is rising to the challenge of saving water as they acclimatise to level 4 water restrictions.

Byron Shire Council’s Director Infrastructure Services Phil Holloway said there has been a marked decrease in water consumption in the town.

Mr Holloway said that Mullumbimby residents are generally extremely environmentally-conscious. ‘I expect we will see a steady decline in water use as they find more ways to save on their daily water use,’ he said.

Recent rains being fed into the Wilsons Creek catchment will certainly make a difference.

Council’s water meter network is not designed to be read every week, and with half the town now connected to the Rous County Council supply, it is difficult to get an accurate gauge on weekly water use in Mullumbimby.

‘What we can see though is a noticeable reduction in water use which means Mullumbimby residents are doing their bit and we’re very grateful,’ said Mr Holloway.

Residents are encouraged to read their own water meters every week to see how much water they are using and hopefully how much they are saving. Details on how to read a home water meter are on Council’s website.

Mobile businesses such as car detailers, window washers and pressure cleaners are reminded that, unless they carry their own water supply, they cannot connect to home water supplies in Mullumbimby under level 4 restrictions.

‘Some people who operate outside Mullumbimby are sometimes not aware of local water restrictions and Council advises these businesses to check Council websites and the Rous County Council websites for information,’ said Mr Holloway.

From today the remainder of the Byron Shire, serviced by the Rous County Council will be on level 2 restrictions.

Byron Shire Council will be turning off beach showers and taps in late January.

For more information about water restrictions in Mullumbimby and in the Byron Shire go to www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Services/Water-sewer/Water/Water-restrictions or www.rous.nsw.gov.au.