COUNCILS TO CONSIDER CHANGES TO RAINWATER TANK USAGE 

Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils will consider changes to the use of water collected in rainwater tanks which are internally connected and topped up by the town supply.

This follows a recommendation from the Gosford-Wyong Councils’ Water Authority Board today to allow some external use from internally connected tanks of 2,000 litres or more. This usage would be subject to Level 2a water restrictions.

“The Board believes this recommendation will encourage more people to internally connect their rainwater tanks while still allowing them to use some of the rainwater they collect outside,” said Gosford City Council Mayor, Laurie Maher.

“This is not an open-ended allowance for people to use their internally connected tank water as they wish. People with internally connected tanks must still do the right thing and use their water wisely in accordance with Level 2a restrictions.

“The amount of town water we will save with more people internally connecting their rainwater tanks should outweigh the amount of town water that may be needed to top up their internally connected tanks.”

Wyong Shire Mayor Bob Graham said: “This new proposal recognises that some people have acted very responsibly by connecting their rainwater tanks internally, and we want to encourage more people to do the same.

“However we still need people to use their water wisely. If they use too much tank water they need to be topped up by the town supply – so we are not promoting irresponsible usage.”

“With the ongoing drought, we all have to change the way we use water inside and outside our homes.”

Under Level 2a restrictions, water from an internally connected rainwater tank can only be used with a hand-held hose for half an hour a day on alternate days, 7am-9am or 5pm-7pm. Pools can be topped up and boat engines can be washed with a hose for up to 10 minutes.

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                                    Janet Saunders on 0438 191 32