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Published on 30 January 2025
Residents and businesses in the Nimmitabel area are advised that a conserve water notice will come into effect from 6pm tomorrow, Friday 31 January 2025.
Council is asking everyone in the area to limit their water usage as much as possible to conserve the bore water currently being used to supply the town, following the detection of blue-green algae in Lake Wallace Dam and the MacLaughlin River on Monday 13 January 2025.
The conserve water notice will remain in place until it’s safe to resume sourcing water from Lake Wallace Dam. Council’s water and wastewater team is closely monitoring local water quality, working closely with Water NSW, NSW Health, and the Environment Protection Authority to ensure this situation is resolved swiftly and safely.
Town water in Nimmitabel remains safe to drink and use.
Water usage location / Activity
Conservation measures
Private gardens and lawns, parks, sport amenities and public gardens
At all times gardens, lawns and plants should only be watered without causing pooling or runoff. Watering between 6pm and 9am will minimise evaporation.
Watering systems
Sprinklers and irrigation systems can be used to water lawns and plants. Use between 6pm and 9am will minimise evaporation.
Hand-watering
A handheld hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, a bucket, or a watering can may be used at any time.
Washing vehicles
Vehicles should be washed on a lawn or other porous surface wherever practicable, only using a bucket or watering can, a high-pressure low-volume cleaner, or a handheld hose with a trigger nozzle.
Swimming pools
Pools and outdoor spas should be covered to reduce water loss through evaporation.
Bowling greens
No measures in place.
Paved areas
Water should not be used to clean paved areas. If required due to emergency or accident, only use a bucket and brush or high-pressure low-volume cleaner.
Washing of windows and buildings
Gutters may be cleaned at any time using a hose with a trigger nozzle. Windows may be washed at any time.
Other parts of a building may be washed at any time using a bucket, mop and brush and rinsed with a trigger-nozzle hose or high-pressure low-volume cleaner.
Construction and related activities
Water should only be used for dust or pollutant suppression using a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or a vehicle fitted with sprinklers. Use non-potable water wherever possible.
General exemptions
Fire-fighting.
Water not sourced from town water supply, including tanks, dams, reclaimed water, and greywater.