As there is still no substantial flow through the river Level 3 water restrictions are still in place.

Even with the good rain household water usage appears to have plateaued above the Level 3 restriction targets.

Water use targets on Level 3 restrictions are between 190-230 litres per person per day but in the weeks since Level 3 was introduced average usage is 255 litres per person per day. What was even more disturbing was that the water usage during two weeks of significant local rain did not produce a reduction in water consumption. Does this mean this is the best Walcha can do?

Walcha Council staff are investigating why targets have not been reached and this week will carry out water meter readings to discover which properties have not changed their usage patterns since restrictions were introduced.

These properties will be contacted by the Council in an attempt to establish any problems which could be resulting in high usage.

Staff hope to find problems such as leaking pipes, toilets or taps to explain any unusually high readings.

One business was recently monitored by the Council and was found to have a leaking pipe which wasted 5 kilolitres or 5000 litres of town water over a weekend! 

It is important that Walcha demonstrates to the NSW government that we are serious about preserving our water, if we appear complacent about our water usage future access to water infrastructure funding may not be forthcoming.

Council is doing everything within its means to achieve the Level 3 targets and urges every person to continue to be diligent about their water consumption. 

If you have seen something that you think may be causing town water to be wasted or have any questions call 6774 2515 to speak with engineering staff.