Water restrictions for Mullum lowered

Mullumbimby’s water restrictions have been reduced from Level 4 to Level 2 to align with the drought water restriction levels across the rest of Byron Shire and the region.

Over the weekend Huonbrook rain gauge recorded 164.5mm with Laverty’s Gap Weir now overflowing.

‘The rain on the weekend was desperately needed,’ Byron Shire Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway said.

‘The recent rain has brought some desperately needed relief and topped up our dams, and our community’s efforts to reduce water consumption have made a difference. But the reality is that we have, on average, been using more water than what is going in, and that is what we are now working hard to address,’ he said.

Byron Shire Council have been collecting data on the water use of businesses and residents and will be identifying those that have ‘higher than normal usage rates’ and are planning to contacting people over the coming weeks to discuss their water usage.

The will be talking to people and businesses about ‘setting up water plans where necessary, so we can set achievable targets for water reduction and start becoming more resilient in the face of drought,’ said Mr Holloway.

‘It makes commercial sense too because if businesses use less water, they pay less,’ he said.

‘Having shorter showers, keeping a bucket in your shower for garden watering, checking your taps and toilets for leaks twice a year – we want to put water saving at the heart of what we do as a community – for the long term.’

What Level 2 water restrictions mean for households

Outdoor watering

·         No watering of lawns

·         You can water the garden with a hand-held hose (30 minute max) or irrigation system (15 minute max) between 4pm – 9am every second day depending on the house number.  Odd house numbers on the 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th and so on.  Even house numbers on the 2^nd, 4^th, 6^th and so on.

Car washing

·         Allowed with a watering can or bucket for 10 minutes between 4pm – 9am every second day according to the house number.  People can use water-efficient, high pressure cleaners with a trigger control.

There are water restrictions in place for businesses as well.   Fines apply for breaches of water restrictions so please read the complete list of Level 2 restrictions for household and businesses on the Rous County Council website and download a table of the Water Saving Measures at each Water Restriction Level or visit Byron Shire Council’s website.