This is the first time Eurobodalla Shire Council has had to go beyond its permanent water conservation measures since May 2007.

Under level 1 water restrictions, only one hand held hose or one drip irrigation system may be used outside the hours of 10am to 5pm. Filling pools using a hand held hose and washing cars and boats using buckets and a trigger nozzle hose for a final rinse, on grassed areas wherever possible, can also only be done outside of these hours.

The use of fixed sprinklers, micro-spray irrigation systems, unattended hoses and the washing down of hard surface areas are all banned.

Sprinklers can still be used in some non-residential circumstances, such as watering bowling and golf greens, turf wickets, sports grounds, for commercial market gardens and nurseries and in public or commercial swimming pools, but only outside the hours of 10am to 5pm.

With only so much water left in the dam until we receive substantial rains and the rivers start flowing again, Council’s Water Cycle Officer, Harvey Lane, is urging everyone to save every drop they can to ensure water supplies last.

“Whilst the current water restrictions set rules for watering times and practices, there are many other ways to effectively save water around the garden and the home in general,” Mr Lane said.

“Please log onto Council’s website to find out how to save water in your home or garden.”

Residents and businesses are advised that any water restriction exemptions they may have received previously are no longer valid, and therefore, if they feel they have justification for an exemption, they need to reapply.

To find out more information on how water restrictions affect you at home or your business, log on to Council’s website at www.esc.nsw.gov.au, or call the water restrictions hotline on 1800 441 070.