Stay Water Wise


Download the poster here


Level 2 Water Restrictions Introduced in the Bellingen Shire

Due to recent increased rainfall in the catchment areas and improved river levels, Shire residents who receive a town water supply will transition from Level 4 – Severe Water Restrictions to Level 2 – High Water Restrictions, as from Tuesday 21 January 2020.

A summary of Level 2 Water Restrictions are:

Sprinklers and soaker hoses are banned except for newly laid turf, in which case one (1) sprinkler is allowed to be used in the specified hours.

Hours of hand watering will be 30 minutes every second day between the hours of 4.00pm and 9.00am on alternate days, odd and even numbered days matching house numbers.

Micro-sprays and drippers/sub-surface can be used for a maximum of 15 minutes.

No washing of houses or driveways. Topping up of pools in specified hours only.

Vehicles must be washed with a trigger hose or pressure cleaner on a grassed area.

Council will continue to actively monitor the stability of recently improved river levels to ensure sustainable management of the town water supply and guide the ongoing management of Water Restriction Levels. Our community is encouraged to remain vigilant and maintain an ‘every drop counts’ approach towards all water consuming activities.


A Water Restrictions Table outlining what is permitted in all levels of water restriction can be found on Council’s website at www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au by following the hyperlink under Notices on the home page.

In previous years when restrictions have been implemented water usage has increased. Council will be performing patrols to try and minimise this effect and hopes that everyone acts responsibly and follows the restriction rules above. Should the flows in the Bellinger drop below 2.5 ML/day Emergency Water Restrictions will need to be imposed.

Council is encouraging our community to conserve water wherever possible. Reducing water consumption will safeguard our precious water supply and also save money, conserve energy and protect the environment.

Below are some handy hints on ways to save water:

At home

  • Fix leaky taps. Even a slow dripping tap can waste up to 20,000 litres a year. This is water that you pay for, but never use

  • Try a water saving shower head

  • Limit shower times to four minutes

  • Use only a little water in the bathtub

  • Turn off water while brushing your teeth

  • For older toilets without water saving features (like a dual flush), try filling up some of the space in your cistern by adding in a brick or some pebbles. This will decrease the volume of water used with each flush.

  • Only use your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full or alternatively change the settings to suit the load

  • Wash your fruit and vegetables in a bowl rather than under a running tap.

    In the garden

  • Don’t over-water your lawn.

  • Set your mower level higher and let your lawn grow longer. Keeping grass longer shades the soil surface and reduces evaporation loss.

  • If you have an outdoor pool or spa, reduce evaporation by keeping it covered when not in use.

  • Use a broom to clean your driveway

  • Use a bucket to wash the car or visit a commercial car wash that recycles water

  • Water plants deeply, but less frequently. This encourages deep root growth and drought tolerance

  • Consider installing a water tank


Download the poster here


Level 2 Water Restrictions Introduced in the Bellingen Shire

Due to recent increased rainfall in the catchment areas and improved river levels, Shire residents who receive a town water supply will transition from Level 4 – Severe Water Restrictions to Level 2 – High Water Restrictions, as from Tuesday 21 January 2020.

A summary of Level 2 Water Restrictions are:

Sprinklers and soaker hoses are banned except for newly laid turf, in which case one (1) sprinkler is allowed to be used in the specified hours.

Hours of hand watering will be 30 minutes every second day between the hours of 4.00pm and 9.00am on alternate days, odd and even numbered days matching house numbers.

Micro-sprays and drippers/sub-surface can be used for a maximum of 15 minutes.

No washing of houses or driveways. Topping up of pools in specified hours only.

Vehicles must be washed with a trigger hose or pressure cleaner on a grassed area.

Council will continue to actively monitor the stability of recently improved river levels to ensure sustainable management of the town water supply and guide the ongoing management of Water Restriction Levels. Our community is encouraged to remain vigilant and maintain an ‘every drop counts’ approach towards all water consuming activities.


A Water Restrictions Table outlining what is permitted in all levels of water restriction can be found on Council’s website at www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au by following the hyperlink under Notices on the home page.

In previous years when restrictions have been implemented water usage has increased. Council will be performing patrols to try and minimise this effect and hopes that everyone acts responsibly and follows the restriction rules above. Should the flows in the Bellinger drop below 2.5 ML/day Emergency Water Restrictions will need to be imposed.

Council is encouraging our community to conserve water wherever possible. Reducing water consumption will safeguard our precious water supply and also save money, conserve energy and protect the environment.

Below are some handy hints on ways to save water:

At home

  • Fix leaky taps. Even a slow dripping tap can waste up to 20,000 litres a year. This is water that you pay for, but never use

  • Try a water saving shower head

  • Limit shower times to four minutes

  • Use only a little water in the bathtub

  • Turn off water while brushing your teeth

  • For older toilets without water saving features (like a dual flush), try filling up some of the space in your cistern by adding in a brick or some pebbles. This will decrease the volume of water used with each flush.

  • Only use your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full or alternatively change the settings to suit the load

  • Wash your fruit and vegetables in a bowl rather than under a running tap.

    In the garden

  • Don’t over-water your lawn.

  • Set your mower level higher and let your lawn grow longer. Keeping grass longer shades the soil surface and reduces evaporation loss.

  • If you have an outdoor pool or spa, reduce evaporation by keeping it covered when not in use.

  • Use a broom to clean your driveway

  • Use a bucket to wash the car or visit a commercial car wash that recycles water

  • Water plants deeply, but less frequently. This encourages deep root growth and drought tolerance

  • Consider installing a water tank