Use hoses with a trigger to save water. Photos: Supplied.
With a long hot summer on the way, continuing dry conditions and the memory of the millennium drought still fresh for many, it’s understandable that Canberrans are asking about water restrictions. The territory’s four dams are currently just over 50 per cent full but Icon Water General Manager Davina McCormick says Canberra’s water supply is still secure, for now.
“We have more water now than in the millennium drought. Enlarging the Cotter Dam in 2013 meant that our total capacity is now about 35 per cent bigger. More capacity, combined with permanent water conservation measures, put us in a good position to withstand prolonged dry periods. We would be in water restrictions now if it wasn’t for that investment,” McCormick said.
The ACT has had permanent water conservation measures in place since 2010. These measures, similar to Level 1 restrictions in other regions, include using hoses with a trigger, restricting garden sprinkler use to between 6:00 pm and 9:00 am and not hosing paved areas unless using a high pressure, low volume hose.
Icon Water says that dam levels are currently around 52 per cent but they are going down. Water restrictions may come into force if dam levels fall to 35-40 per cent.
McCormick says, “A key part of the decision to introduce water restrictions is dam levels, but they are not the only factor. We use a range of 35-40 per cent as an indicator that Stage 1 water restrictions may be required but there are other factors to be considered, these include the weather outlook and our overall consumption rate.
“Canberrans can play their part by being more conscious of the way they use water. We want people to think about things like not using the dishwasher or washing machine unless it is full, reducing shower times and turning the tap off when brushing your teeth. If you have a garden, consider installing rainwater tanks and greywater systems. If we all do a little, it can add up to a lot.”
Turning off the tap will help save Canberra’s water.
McCormick says that there are significant reasons for reducing our water use.
“There is a real social cost when we are in water restrictions. As the city browns off it can affect people’s sense of well being. Our gardens suffer, our green spaces and playing fields dry out and become dusty and we won’t be able to fill our swimming pools.
“The good news is that we can all make changes that will have an impact now. We don’t have to wait. The choice is in the hands of Canberrans.”
More information on how to save water and share water-saving tips can be found at Icon Water.
Cotter Dam. Canberra’s water storage is currently around 52 per cent.
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Does the commercial car wash recycle water?
I'm not going to let my garden die ... We need our green spaces, especially the trees! But yes, water in the cool of the day, when the sun won't suck up all the moisture again and burn the wet leaves.
No, sorry. Now is NOT the time; Scaremo said.
Use public car washes. If you have to water your garden do it in the evening. I see too many people in the deadset middle of the day watering their garden. Not necessary.
Why not start stage 1 restrictions now then whilst we have a decent amount of water stored instead of waiting until its low?
We are in stage 1 now
Mat Barber why stop at stage 1? Why not 3 or 4 right away?
But in seriousness the trigger for stage 1 is not when storage is low. It is simply the trigger.
Restrictions NOW!
Six months ago, the ACT Government declared “that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent actions across all levels of Government” and yet with our water reserves ebbing away, we still (apparently) don’t need stage 2 water restrictions – so do nothing now, and then have a scare campaign about “Day Zero” for Canberra water in the months before the 2020 Territory election……
Pretty simple to not waste it. 🤔
Save water. Shower with a friend (or 2)
Outrageous. Icon just want the revenue to keep rolling in.
the key word here is "secure for now"!
Save water and up go the water rates...happened before.
All the more reason to be very conscious of water use.
I don’t understand why we can’t have pre-emptive restrictions. I keep my kids showers to 5 mins, put the washing machine water on the garden and and starting to bucket out the bath water onto the plants. Better to be using less now than be sorry later.
Wendy Driver They have been in since 2010.
Narelle Ford yes but they are pretty lenient.
Wendy Driver all water restrictions are pre-emptive. If 50% is not soon enough at what dam levels would you bring them in?
Geoff Kemp I think you misunderstood my comment. I would prefer we have stricter water restrictions before we got to 50%
Wendy Driver I totally agree with you! Much better to be a bit more careful now.
We also know that we should water trees to keep them alive. As this benefits us in the longer term by keep us cooler. Be water wise, water a tree and leave the car dirty
Sher Young wash your car under a tree?
Use grey water to water the tree, that way the water gets reused 😊
I will reduce my weekly shower to fortnightly.
David Brown pommy?
Ian Macara Thinking of emigration 🙂
David Brown pommy wash - use a flannel (face washer) and sponge yourself down ...
Ian Macara you probably don't understand there are ways of keeping clean without full immersion? 🤭🇬🇧
Damaris Wilson But only if and when I need it 😉
David Brown definitely - not an everday thing of choice!
Yep we need to be more water conscious than usual. We have it good and we want to stay that way as much as possible.