Thanks to advanced repairs being effected at Dalby’s Water Plant. Western Downs Regional Council is easing water restrictions in Dalby from Level Five to Level Three, from midnght Friday 11th February.
Under the new restrictions, residents connected to the bulk town supply will be able to water their gardens up to nine hours a week, with a hand-held hose and permitted drip irrigation systems.
Spokesperson for Utilities – Water, Wastewater and Gas, Councillor Bill McCutcheon attributed the decision to the work and skills of Council’s utilities team.
“Dalby’s water supply was devastated on December 29 by the flooding from the Condamine River.
Long hours have been spent meticulously going through all of the treatment plant components – switchboards, controllers pumps, tanks, boresand pipe work to get the supply back online. The assistance from local electrical and pump contractors must also be acknowledged,” he said.
“The town’s high capacity bores are again producing water and with both reverse osmosis plants and the river treatment plant all back online, Council feels it is safe to move back to level three. There is still work to be done with some components and automation of the treatment plants and eight of the lower capacity bores still to be restored.”
Cr McCutcheon praised the efforts of residents in conserving water during and after the floods.
“The response of Dalby residents following the flooding is appreciated and there are many examples of people using tank water for washing and other purposes, and this has helped the town come through without the complete loss of supply,” he said.
Under level three, residents in even number properties can water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Residents in odd number properties and those with no numbers can water on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. People can water with a hand-held hose and allowed drip irrigation systems between 6.30am to 7.30am and 5pm to 7pm.
The washing of vehicles, boats and houses are permitted within the designated watering times. A total outside watering ban applies on Mondays. The use of sprinklers and sprinkler irrigation systems are not permitted, however buckets can be used at any time, excluding Mondays.
For more information about Level Three water restrictions visit the Council website www.wdrc.qld.gov.au or contact the Engineering Customer Service Centre on 4669 9000.