Stage 3 water restrictions introduced in Apollo Bay

BARWON Water has placed Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek on Stage 3 water restrictions.

The restrictions came into effect on Saturday following ongoing dry conditions, with Barwon Water determining the measure is needed to protect local water storages.

The areas entered Stage 2 restrictions in early April and while customers’ efforts helped reduce water use, Apollo Bay has experienced its driest 12 months from May to April in 86 years, its second driest on record.

On Wednesday last week, storages were at 25.6 per cent, compared to the same time last year where they were at 96.5 per cent.

Barwon Water general manager of planning, delivery and environment Seamus Butcher thanked residents and visitors for their efforts in limiting water use.

“The Apollo Bay community has a great understanding of the need to use water efficiently and wisely, and we appreciate their efforts to conserve valuable supplies,” he said.

“Unfortunately, our storages continue to be impacted by this record-breaking stretch of low rainfall.

“The Stage 3 restrictions will help to manage demand, and we’re exploring a range of future options to maintain supply security, should the dry conditions continue.”

Under the restrictions, changes include:

Residential and commercial lawns cannot be watered

Gardens can only be watered on alternate days from 6am until 8am, using a hand-held hose with a trigger nozzle, bucket, watering can or dripper watering system

Fountains or water features cannot be filled or topped up

Cleaning and hosing down hard surfaces are restricted

Filling pools and spas is not permitted, but they can be topped up on alternate days between 6am and 8am, and

Washing vehicles, mirrors, lights and registration plates, removing corrosive substances can be done at home using a bucket or watering can, or at a commercial car wash. This can only be done where cleaning is required for health and safety reasons, safety hazard or other emergencies.

A new pipeline is allowing recycled water to be delivered to the Apollo Bay Golf Club, irrigating the majority of the course and reducing the demand on local drinking water supplies.

In the coming weeks, Barwon Water will be promoting opportunities for customers to replace shower heads, upgrade toilets and access washing machine rebates.

“To help customers be efficient with water, we are offering a free plumbing service to provide in-home, water efficiency advice and fix any leaks you may have,” Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming said.

“We are also offering a rebate of up to $250 to put towards replacing your washing machine with a new, water efficient one.”

For more information, head to water.vic.gov.au/for-households/water-restrictions-and-rules/stage-3-water-restrictions