WITH little to no rain falling over the summer months, local water carrier Phil Campbell says he has been flat out.
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"Even the rain we had a couple of weeks ago did not help," he said.
"I thought I would get a break, but that was not to be. Everyone was back on the phone wanting a delivery of water.
"I'm averaging three to four loads per day. This truck carries 25,000 litres.
"We've been busy carting water for stock as well and it's not looking good on the rural front.
"And to add to that, local bores on properties are starting to dry up. If things get any busier, I will have to allocate another truck for deliveries."
The Oberon Dam level continues to fall and is currently sitting at 27.29 per cent capacity. The dam is dropping by an average of 0.5 per cent per week. Level three water restrictions will come into force when the dam level reaches 25 per cent.
This means that the water allocation for licence holders accessing the dam water, other than Oberon Council, will reduce by a further 10 to 30pc.
Level three will mean sprinklers and fixed hoses are banned and micro-sprays can be used for 15 minutes and handheld hoses for one hour every second day, outside the hours of 8am to 4pm, on odd or even days matching the house numbering system.
Level four restrictions will come into effect when the dam level reaches 20pc.
Level five will come into effect if the dam level drops to 10 to 15pc. At level six, hoses will be banned and gardens will only be watered by buckets.
Water restrictions will be enforced by council.
Council says first-time offenders reported or observed to be in breach of water restrictions will be contacted for an explanation. If they are found to be wilful or negligent in the use of water contrary to council notice, details will be recorded on a register.
Second-time offences will result in the issue of an official caution notice and a third offence will result in the issue of an official penalty infringement notice and fine, council says.
Further offences will result in a water restriction device being applied to the meter.
