Restrictions imposed with no rain in sight

Little to no rain and high usage over recent months will see Orford and Triabunna along with Lady Barron on Flinders Island placed on stage 1 water restrictions from Friday, April 4.

According to the Bureau of Mereology, February rainfall was below average to very much below average (in the lowest 10 per cent of Decembers since 1900) for most of Tasmania.

While the BOM is forecasting rainfall to be within the typical range for April to June for most of Australia, Tasmania has a slightly increased chance of below average rainfall for the next three months.

Residents of Orford, Triabunna and Lady Barron are being encouraged to spread the word on water conservation and its importance to people visiting the area.

TasWater General Manager Customer and Community Matt Balfe said stage 1 restrictions require only small changes to how people use water, but even a small change can have a significant impact on the amount of water available in the system.

“Many factors were considered before implementing stage 1 restrictions for Orford, Triabunna and Lady Barron,’’ Mr Balfe said.

“As we approach the busy school holidays and break, it’s important for us to ensure there is enough water for everyone.

 “Conditions have been very dry across the state leading to high water usage, and the outlook from the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts no significant rain forecast over the next few weeks.

“Flinders Island has faced sustained dry conditions for the past two years, and as we head towards a holiday period where the East Coast will see an influx of visitors, stage 1 restrictions will be put in place until conditions improve.

“Stage 1 restrictions aim to reduce non-essential water use by 20 per cent by encouraging more conscious use of water at home and at work.

“Small changes to water usage, like taking shorter showers and using the half-flush on the toilet, add up to have a huge impact on water supplies across the state.”