Taralga will be placed on water restrictions as of Monday in an effort to keep the town's storage dam level at 30 per cent.
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The dam was drained of 10,000 litres last week to prevent the dam's failure. It followed an engineer's report that found leaks and erosion of the structure's wall had been occurring for some years. In addition, it recommended that the storage be reduced to 30pc to alleviate pressure, prevent a break and flooding of up to 14 properties.
Upper Lachlan Shire Council general manager Colleen Worthy said the measure was necessary to protect life and property.
The dam is supplied by pumping water up from Woolshed Creek and from bores in the town's aquifer.
"If residents can limit their water consumption then the council will be able to maintain the dam level at 30pc while Woolshed Creek is running and the aquifer is full," Mrs Worthy said.
The lower storage level means level 1 water restrictions will apply from Monday. Residents are urged to use water responsibly in the interim.
"Failure to comply with Level 1 water restrictions will mean the dam level will drop and the council will be unable to maintain the dam level at 30pc. This will force the council to impose harsher water restrictions," Mrs Worthy said.
"If we work together while repairing or building a new dam for Taralga then we have a strong chance of making it through summer without any further restrictions.
"During this period the dam level will be constantly monitored and any changes required in water restrictions will be posted on the council's website, Facebook and media outlets."
If required, town hall meetings will be arranged and letterbox drops will occur. All non-residential ratepayers will be advised of the restrictions by mail.
Level 1 restrictions (Taralga)
- Do not wash down hard surfaces.
- Do not fill swimming pools/spas.
- Do not wash vehicles in Taralga - other locations within the shire are available.
- Do not top-up or fill garden features.
- Do not water lawns and residential gardens between 10am and 6pm.
- Residential gardens and lawns can be watered for a period of not more than 30 minutes between 6pm and 10am using water systems, drip systems, micro sprays, soaker hoses and handheld hoses.
- Do not use fixed sprinklers.
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