Orford and Triabunna will enter stage one water restrictions in just under two weeks, as dry summer conditions and holiday demand continue to strain local water supplies.
TasWater is asking residents and visitors to cut non-essential water use by 20% from February 2 to ensure enough water remains available for essential needs.
“With warmer, drier weather and increased demand due to the busy school holiday period, stage one restrictions will be implemented to help ensure water levels remain adequate to support the community’s needs,” TasWater’s Liz Hafner said.
The restrictions follow persistently dry conditions across December and January, particularly on the east coast.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting no significant rain over the coming weeks.
“It might seem like there is plenty of water around the state however, Orford and Triabunna are supplied by a run of the river system, which is heavily dependent on rainfall,” Hafner said.
“We are asking residents and visitors to make small, mindful changes such as taking shorter showers, choosing the half-flush on the toilet and using hand held hoses when watering gardens to help reduce non-essential water use.”
The restrictions will remain in place until further notice.
TasWater is also monitoring catchments across the state and has asked residents in Coles Bay, Lady Barron, Launceston and Scamander to be mindful of their water use.
The utility says restrictions may be introduced in those areas without adequate rainfall.
“We always encourage Tasmanians, no matter where they live, to conserve water and ‘save our thing’,” Hafner said.
“We are encouraging every Tasmanian to save just 10 litres of water per person per day.”
