Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council has today announced that it will relax water restrictions in Braidwood following recent rainfall that has seen the Shoalhaven River resume flowing.

Level 4 restrictions came into effect in Braidwood on 10 January 2020 when an extended dry period saw the Shoalhaven River reduce to just pools and ponds. From 14 February the restrictions will be eased to Level 3 now that the river is flowing again.

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tim Overall said that whilst the rain comes as a welcome relief, residents are still required to be mindful of consumption.

“The flowing Shoalhaven River means we can resume pumping to our off-river storage dam in the coming days when the first flush of ash and debris in the river settles. Our aim will be to restore the off-river dam to 100% capacity if possible.

“With the dam full and the river flowing, Braidwood’s water security will be increased and the community will get some relief from the relatively harsh restrictions that have been in place.

“But that doesn’t mean restrictions have been lifted all together. We still need further rainfall over an extended period before any further easing of the restrictions,” Mayor Overall said.

Level 3 restriction sets a 35% reduction target on the long-term average usage for this time of the year. This means a total average daily usage target of 360kl for Braidwood.

The Level 3 restriction means sprinklers still cannot be used and lawns cannot be watered. Gardens can be watered using a watering can or hand-held trigger nozzle. Watering can only be done between 7am and 10am and between 7pm and 10pm on alternate days under the odds and evens system. The system refers to houses with an odd number street address being able to water on odd numbered dates (1, 3, 5 etc) and even numbered houses being able to water on even numbered dates (2, 4, 6 etc).

Level 3 also means no cleaning of paved areas, buildings or windows unless required due to an accident, fire or health hazard; no filling of water tanks with other than non-potable water; no washing of any vehicle except at commercial car washes that recycle water or hold an exemption; and other restrictions on use of water in construction.

Full details of Level 3 water restrictions for Braidwood are available on the QPRC website at: www.qprc.nsw.gov.au/water-restrictions