Paul Bibby
While water restrictions appear to be having little effect in Mullumbimby, it is a slightly rosier picture in the region more broadly.
Figures from Rous County Council show that in the first week that water restrictions were introduced in the Ballina, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Byron Shires (not including Mullumbimby), the community used 33 million litres per day.
This was down 15 per cent from the previous two weeks, where locals used 38 million litres per day.
However, it appears that water use increased again as December went on.
The average for the whole month, up to December 24, was 34.2 million litres per day.
This is slightly higher than the average use for December over the past three years, which was 34.1 million litres.
Rous say they are concerned that daily water use will increase further, owing to the many tourists that come into the region over summer.
C’mon.. what about the water Falls festival’s 35,000 took ??? Does anyone report the reality of who takes the water in Byron Shire?