The general manager of Central Tablelands Water (CTW), Gavin Rhodes said the restrictions came in to place on January 1.

Mr Rhodes said: “although Lake Rowlands (CTW’s water source) is currently holding steady at 68% of capacity, the level (of Lake Rowlands) is currently well below historical levels leading into the peak summer demand period.

In addition to this, CTW have also taken into consideration the long term Bureau of Meteorology’s rainfall forecasts for the Lake Rowlands catchment area.”

Under CTW’s current Water Restrictions Policy, Level 2 restrictions are not triggered until Lake Rowlands falls to 60%. 

However, CTW’s chairman, Cr David Somervaille said, “It is vital that CTW manages its water source responsibly, and therefore by considering all current and historical data, making the early call (on level 2 restrictions) greatly assists in managing our precious resource”. 

Level 2 restrictions consists of an “odds and evens” system under which watering of gardens and lawns is permitted only every second day between the times of 6am to 9am and 6pm to 9pm, not with the use of fixed sprinklers. 

CTW will continue to closely monitor the inflows into Lake Rowlands and long term rainfall forecasts of the Bureau of Meteorology.

CTW would like to thank its consumers for their understanding during this period of drought and the importance of using water wisely.