Whitemark on Flinders Island will have stage one water restrictions implemented from next Wednesday as dry conditions squeeze the town’s water supply.
The restrictions will stay in place until further notice.
TasWater’s acting head of communications and engagement, Jess Sargent, said the aim is to cut non-essential water use by 20% by encouraging people to be more mindful about how they use water.
“With a lack of medium to long term forecasted rainfall for the island and across much of the state, we are calling on the community to reduce their water usage,” she said.
“Conditions have been very dry across the state for the first four months of this year, leading to higher water usage, and despite some recent showers, the outlook from the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts drier than average conditions over the coming months.”
Sargent said the restrictions are about simple, everyday changes that add up when the whole community gets involved.
“Stage one restrictions are about small, practical changes, shorter showers, smarter water use, that make a real difference when everyone pitches in,” she said.
“As a state, we use more water per household than most of the country giving us a real opportunity to lead the way in water-wise habits.”
She also asked locals to make sure visiting friends and family know about the restrictions.
Lady Barron, Scamander and Oatlands are also on stage one restrictions.
Orford and Triabunna are in a tougher spot, already sitting on stage three restrictions.
Without significant rainfall in the coming weeks, TasWater said the two towns could be bumped up to stage four.
Sargent said TasWater is encouraging all Tasmanians to save just 10 litres of water per person per day, no matter where they live.
“We always encourage Tasmanians, no matter where they live, to conserve water and ‘Save Our Thing’,” she said.
