With temperatures predicted to be warmer and drier than average for the remainder of the season, Goulburn Valley Water is reminding locals that permanent water saving rules are in place across the state.
These rules apply to both gardens and lawns, which can only be watered with a hand-held hose or with a watering system between the hours of 6 pm and 10 am.
Water also cannot be used in a fountain or water feature unless it recirculates the water, hand-held hoses can only be used if fitted with a trigger nozzle, and water can only be used to clean hard surfaces as a result of an emergency, if staining to the surface has developed or in the course of construction or renovation.
Goulburn Valley Water managing director Peter Quinn said water demand was already trending higher than in previous years, delivering 3545 megalitres of water last month, the highest volume since 2015-16.
Mr Quinn said this was a 19 per cent increase on the December delivery total in 2018.
“Our climate is changing and we can't rely on rainfall like in the past so we need everyone to adopt an ‘every drop counts’ approach to using water,” he said.
“If everyone takes action to reduce their water usage and make little changes around the household, the water savings will add up — together we can make a difference.”
Goulburn Valley residents used on average 530 litres per person per day in December 2019, compared with an average of 434 litres per person per day in December 2018.
Euroa and Violet Town residents in particular have been reminded to watch their usage, with data showing an increase in water consumption in recent weeks.
Data showed residential water consumption in these towns over the last seven days of December averaged around 595 litres per person per day, with a spike of 741 litres per person per day on December 30.
Stage two water restrictions have been in place in Euroa and Violet Town since last April, amid lower rainfall levels and lower storage inflows.
Under these restrictions gardens can only be watered on alternate days between given time periods, vehicles can only be washed using a handheld hose or bucket, and pools and spas can only be topped up on alternate days between given time periods.
“Simple things around the home can save hundreds of litres per day — cutting your shower down to four minutes can save 40 litres a day and turning the tap off while you brush your teeth will help save 10 litres a minute,” Mr Quinn said.
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