Your Questions about LEVEL 1 Water Restrictions answered.

Residents of Parkes, Peak Hill, Alectown, Cookamidgera and rural consumers connected to water mains joining these centres are currently affected by Level 1 water restrictions which commenced on 10 October 2005.

What can I use to water?

Residents can use a hand held hose or micro irrigation system to water their gardens at any time (unrestricted). The use of sprinklers is restricted to 2 hours between 4pm and 7pm (5pm and 8pm during daylight savings) on alternate days. For the purpose of water restrictions, green soaker hoses are classified as sprinklers.

When can I water my garden?

Residents can use hand held watering at any time. However, sprinklers can only be used on the property's alternate watering day for 2 hours only between 4pm and 7pm (5pm and 8pm during daylight savings).

What is my property's alternate watering day?

Your property's alternate watering day is determined by your house number. If your house number is odd (1, 3, 5, etc) then you can water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. If your house number is even (2, 4, 6, etc) or un-numbered, you can water on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

What is a micro irrigation system?

A micro irrigation system uses a series of mist sprays or drippers along a pipe. The total water distributed through a micro system should not exceed 40 litres per hour.

What is a sprinkler?

For the purpose of water restrictions, a sprinkler is defined as a device fixed to a hose or pipe system used to distribute, disperse, sprinkle or spray water. This includes "green soaker hoses". Please note that the use of sprinklers for residential watering is restricted. This does NOT include micro irrigation systems or hand held hose.

How many sprinklers can I use?

This depends on the size and requirements of your garden. The use of sprinklers is restricted for residential watering.

What's a fixed hose?

A fixed hose is a hose attached to a tap. A fixed hose cannot be used for unattended watering - you must physically hold the hose while watering.

How long can I hand water using a hose?

Under Level 1 restrictions, watering with a hand held hose is unrestricted.

Can I still use a bucket or watering can?

Watering cans and buckets can be used for watering at any time without restriction.

Can I still top up my swimming pool?

Yes. But only using a hand held hose for 2 hours between 5pm and 8pm on your property's alternate watering day. The full restriction only applies to the emptying and filling of pools.

I am in the process of installing a new pool. Can I fill it up?

A permit from Council is required to do so. Please contact Council's Infrastructure department on 026861-2343 to obtain a copy of the Water Restriction Variation form, or download it from Council's web site.

I have a small wading pool for my toddler. Can I still fill it?

Wading pools up to 300mm high are exempt. Pools larger than this will require a special permit. (See above).

What about the washing of cars. Can I, or can't I wash my car?

The private washing of cars using a hose is allowed, however vehicles must be washed on a grassed area. You cannot wash your vehicle on the roadway. 

Is watering of stock from the Parkes / Peak Hill water supply restricted?

There is no restriction on stock watering.

I have a business that is dependent upon the use of relatively large quantities of water. Do the restrictions apply to me?

Maybe. Council is aware that many jobs and employment situations depend on quantities of water (contract cleaners, pavement laying/cleaning, car detailing, to name a few). You will need to make an application for exemption, setting out your full circumstances. Please contact Council's Infrastructure department on 026861-2343 to obtain a copy of the exemption form or download it from Councils web site.

I own a Motel and I am unsure as to my status. How has Council categorised motels?

Council has categorised motels as COMMERCIAL for the purposes of the restrictions and accordingly are able to water "in-use" areas only using sprinklers for 2 hours on the property's alternate watering day between the hours of 5pm and 7pm.

Are Bowling Clubs restricted from watering greens?

Council has resolved that Bowling greens are to be categorised as "sports grounds" for the purpose of Level 1 restrictions. Therefore, bowling clubs can water "in-use" greens only using sprinklers for 2 hours per day on the property's alternate watering day.

Are Schools restricted from watering ovals?

Schools can water "in-use" fields or areas only using sprinklers for 2 hours per day on the property's alternate watering day.

Why are Parkes and Peak Hill on different restrictions to Bogan Gate, Trundle and Tullamore?

The Parkes/Peak Hill water supply is a different system to the Bogan Gate/Tullamore ('B'-Section) system. 'B'-Section pipeline water is sourced direct from the Lachlan river in Forbes Shire and is not part of the Parkes/Peak Hill water reticulation system. Currently Bogan Gate, Trundle & Tullamore are on Level 1 restrictions.

I live in the Kelly Road, Billabong Crescent, Pine Road, Back Yamma Road or Nash Street area of town. Do the restrictions apply to me?

Yes. These areas are now part of the Parkes Water Reticulation System and are therefore under the restrictions. If your property is un-numbered, your watering day is the same as even numbered properties.

I live on the Billabong Creek and have a pump licence. I use that water to sustain my garden and lawns. However, I am also connected to the town water supply. What do I do?

The town water you use is subject to the restrictions. Water used from the creek, a bore or a well on your property is not. However, Council urges that you conserve water from all sources during this drought period. If you are using water from a source NOT connected to the town water supply, you MUST put a sign on your property, visible from any adjacent road or street, which says "Bore/Well/Creek/Enviro-Cycle"* Water used on this property". (*use appropriate wording). Council has a limited supply of these signs available free to applicable consumers. Please contact Council's Infrastructure department on 026861-2343 if you require a sign.

I am not connected to the town water supply. Are there any restrictions on Standpipe sales or Water carting for domestic use?

Water is able to be purchased from Council's Standpipes for domestic and stock purposes only. All other purposes require the permission of Council. Please contact Council's Infrastructure department on 026861-2343 for more information.

Does Council have a rebate system for the installation of rain water tanks?

Council does  provide a rebate to residents connected to the town water supply and who install rain water tanks, but first you need to apply for the the NSW Government Rebate. The NSW Government has introduced a Rainwater Tank Rebate, which is part of the its $310 million Climate Change Fund. The aim of the fund is to help business, households and government save energy and water. Eligibility starts from 1 July 2007. For more information visit the Department of Environment and Climate Change website. To see if you qualify for the Council Rainwater Tank Rebate, dowload the brochure from here, or contact Council on 02-6861 2343.

If Council resolves to increase the level of water restrictions, does the exemption I had granted to me under the lower level still apply?

NO. Any water usage exemption forms issued are nullified by a change in restrictions (i.e. from one level to another). For example if restrictions move to level 1, people installing new pools will not be allowed to fill those pools from the town water system even if they have a previously issued level 1 exemption form.

What do I do if I see someone using water contrary to the restrictions currently in place?

Please contact Council's Infrastructure department on 026861 2343 to report the matter. In accordance with standard policy, Council will not accept anonymous complaints. However, your confidentiality is assured. Council officers will investigate the matter.

Do the restrictions apply to parks, gardens and sporting grounds?

Yes. Each Park, garden or sporting ground can only be watered in accordance with the prevailing restrictions. However, Council is mindful of the economic benefit to the town derived from its sporting fields and will water as necessary to meet the needs of special events. Watering of Council owned facilities has been reviewed. At this stage, it is intended to maintain Kelly Reserve, Cooke Park, and Lions Park, with the other areas to receive sustenance watering only. The Sports Council intend to water "in-use" fields only. All other areas of irrigation are also under review.

How long will the restrictions be in place?

This is unknown at present. It is totally dependent upon the weather and the capacities of the dams and bore fields. Council will closely monitor the situation. It is hoped that with the co-operation of the community, the need for tightening of restrictions in the future may be avoided. However, if the dry spell worsens Council will be forced to invoke higher level restrictions.

© 2008 Parkes Shire Council
This page: http://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/faqs/pages/1364.html