Strict emergency water restrictions are now in force in four localities in the Tweed Shire, as power outages and asset failures at several water treatment plants and pump stations threaten the water supply.
In addition, everyone receiving town water across the Tweed local government area is asked to conserve water now.
Water and Wastewater Operations Manager Brie Jowett urged the Uki, Tyalgum, Terranora and West Cudgen communities to urgently save water until further notice. (West Cudgen is restricted to Plantation Road and Cudgen Road, west of Tweed Coast Road.)
‘Our crews are working 24/7 to restore our water service during this extreme weather event but until that happens, the only tap water that’s available to these villages and suburbs is the water that’s currently in local pipes and reservoirs,’ Mrs Jowett said.
“That’s why I am urging everyone in Uki, Tyalgum, Terranora and West Cudgen to only use tap water for drinking, cooking and essential hygiene like washing hands.
‘I understand this is harsh but the water supply at these localities is critically low and we don’t want you to run out of tap water.’
The Tweed’s emergency water restrictions ban all forms of outdoor water use. The use of tap water for cleaning up mud and other flood debris outside your house is banned.
Drinking water for pets and animals is allowed.
‘We will lift these restrictions as soon as supply is restored,’ Mrs Jowett said.
‘Until then, please save water now and limit your use to drinking, cooking and essential hygiene needs.’
‘Across the Shire, the more water we can save, the longer our water supply will last. With the extreme weather and widespread power outages, we don’t know how long the supply will last and the reality is, it will run out.’
Here is how much water everyday activities you can still do use:
- Water for drinking: 2 L
- Water for cooking: 4 L
- Washing the dishes by hand: 18 L
- A dishwasher’s fast cycle (per wash): 15 L
- Water for washing hands, brushing teeth: 5 to 9 L a minute
Handy hint – put a small amount of water in your bathroom sink or container and use a face washer or body sponge to have a sponge bath.
A full list of current water and wastewater interruptions is available at tweed.nsw.gov.au/service-problems-interruptions. Head to tweed.nsw.gov.au/save-water-indoors for water-saving tips indoors.
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