AS Oberon Dam drops and the district suffers through an extended dry spell, mayor Kathy Sajowitz says she is confident residents are conscious of conserving water.
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As of Monday, Oberon Dam had hit 65.2 per cent of capacity – down by almost a third on the 91.34 per cent at this time last year.
No major rain is forecast for the foreseeable future to turn the situation around.
“After recent experiences, when at one point the dam level dropped to eight per cent, I believe all Oberon residents are conscious of the necessity to conserve water where possible,” Cr Sajowitz said.
However, she does believe the days of hosing down driveways or running sprinklers at midday are long past.
After recent experiences ... I believe all Oberon residents are conscious of the necessity to conserve water where possible.
- Oberon mayor Kathy Sajowitz
“Level 1 water restrictions commence when the dam level reaches between 40 and 50 per cent and the [Oberon Council] general manager has the delegated authority to instigate restrictions,” Cr Sajowitz said.
With the dam at its current level and with no major rain forecast, the mayor said council “will be monitoring the situation closely and ensuring our community is aware of any possibility that restrictions may come into force in the future”.
“The Oberon community are ‘water wise’ and have a responsible attitude when it comes to water use. Major industry in the town has a strong policy of water recycling which reduces demand,” she said.
The below average rainfall has been the result of a high pressure system that continues to linger over both NSW and Victoria.
A fairly dry March in the Oberon district, in which only 30 millimetres fell, helped contribute to below average rainfall and falling dam levels.
For an extended weather forecast, go to the Oberon Review website at www.oberonreview.com.au.
