The backlash against tighter water restrictions has been so fierce in the inland town of Dubbo that the council has voted to change the definition of the current restriction level so residents can use more water and still water their lawns.

Dubbo has come under pressure from the NSW government to reduce its water use as its supply dwindles. Its dam is sitting at 3.7 per cent capacity and the Macquarie River, which supplies the dam, is predicted to stop flowing in May 2020.

Burrendong Dam, which supplies water to major NSW communities including Dubbo, is at 3.7% capacity. There are warnings expanding dams may add to problems in the next drought. Credit:Wolter Peeters

But council has come under sustained pressure from local businesses and the ex-mayor since it decided to move to tougher water restrictions. On Monday night - just three days after it moved up to level four - councillors voted unanimously to change the definition of the restrictions to allow more water usage.

Under new level four restrictions, residents now have 280 litres per person per day - a 14 per cent boost from the previous limit of 245 litres. In addition, restrictions were eased to permit residents to water their lawns and use evaporative air conditioners between midnight and 7am.