Port Macquarie-Hastings triggers level 2 water restrictions effective Monday September 2

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council says the tighter levels will come into effect from Monday, September 2.

Level 1 water restrictions were implemented on Monday April 15.

The current combined dam levels capacity at Cowarra and Port Macquarie dams is 58.4 per cent. The trigger for level 2 restrictions is below 60 per cent.

The outlook for rain is bleak with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a dry spring.

"A drier than average spring is likely for most of Australia, except the western coastline and far southeast," the Bureau says.

"The likelihood of drier conditions is stronger in October compared with September.

"September is likely to be drier across the north and small scattered areas of the south, while October is likely to be drier across most of the mainland.

"Historical outlook accuracy for spring is moderate to high for most of the country."

Water restriction levels are determined on an assessment of daily customer demand and the storage volume available in dams.

Other considerations include predicted weather forecasts, and the flow and quality of water in the Hastings River, said council group manager Terry Randall.

"Due to low river flows and limited rainfall in our catchment area, we have only been able to pump limited water from the Hastings River to transfer into our storage dams," he said.

"Because of this, our dam storage has now reached the trigger point for level 2 restrictions, and with the long term forecast showing little signs of consistent rainfall, these restrictions are necessary.

"It's important everyone continues to do their bit to conserve water as making small changes in how we use water will really help our dam storage supplies last longer," Mr Randall said.

President and head gardening officer with the The Lost Plot, Graeme Evans, says there are plenty of ways to restrict your water use around the home.

He says many people don't know where their water is going.

"First look at where you water is going," he said. "Then consider installing a water tank - it will pay for itself in no time - and install dual flush toilets too.

"You can capture 10 to 20 litres of water simply by putting a bucket in the shower, which can then be broadcast on your gardens.

"Use grey water for your lawn or vegetable garden and even consider getting rid of your lawn altogether.

"And use mulch everywhere you can," he said. "Mulching is a really clever thing to do as it stops the evaporation of any water you use."

Mr Evans said subterranean soaker hoses also work well in gardens.

He also suggested growing more natives or plants that can cope with the heat.

"And come down to The Lost Plot. We are teaching the next generation of gardeners how to grown their own food, how to recycle and about worm farms," he said.

"We are a great resource for everyone in the community."

Port Macquarie Dam has a maximum capacity of 2500 megalitres and is currently at 93.4 per cent.

Cowarra Dam's maximum capacity is 10,000 megalitres. Its current level is 51 per cent.

Council says water restriction levels are determined based on an assessment of daily customer demand and the storage volume available in our dams.

Predicted weather forecasts and the flow and quality of the rivers are also taken in consideration when implementing water restrictions.

Level 2 water restrictions include all level 1 restrictions, with changes to the following:

All other residential restrictions continue to apply including:

"A big thanks to the community for your ongoing efforts, and we encourage everyone to keep up the good work, go slow on the H20, and to check out our website for a range of water saving tips," Mr Randall said.

For water hints and tips, a fact sheet, and to find out more about level 2 'high' water restrictions visit council's website, drop into any council's customer service centre or call 6581 8111.

The trigger point for level 3 is 45 per cent, level 4 is 35 per cent and emergency is 25 per cent.