Water maintenance as consumption soars
Gosford Council has recently completed valve operation works in the Peninsula water supply system as part of its drinking water quality management program.
At the same time, it has reported soaring water consumption figures.
The work began in Booker Bay on January 21, before moving through Ettalong and Umina.
Council crews worked over five days to turn 182 valves on and off to detect leaks and identify assets in need of replacement.
As part of the works, some residents experienced intermittent disruptions to the town water supply as well as a reduction in water pressure and discoloured water.
Meanwhile the council has reported excessive water consumption over the past four weeks, with consumption figures higher than the level three water restriction target.
The council was urging residents and visitors to the region to remain conscious of the amount of water being used.
Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein said the increase in town water usage was likely to be caused by an influx in visitors to the area.
"In part, the increase in demand is likely to result from this increase in population," Cr Holstein said.
"However, the warmer weather also brings with it the temptation to break restrictions which further increase our town water use.
"Residents and visitors need to remember that water restrictions are still in place with only a small amount of outdoor town water use permitted."
Current level three water restrictions allow watering gardens and plants with a watering can or bucket only, topping up pools with a bucket only, washing cars and boats with a bucket or a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle and flushing boat motors for up to five minutes with a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.
The use of a hose to water a garden or lawn, or to fill up a pool, is not permitted.
The use of town water to wet or wash down hard surfaces like paths and driveways is also not permitted.
Press releases, 20-21 Jan 2009
Kylie Gillett, Gosford Council