Lismore City Council, Media Release, 27 September 2023

Level 2 water restrictions will be introduced in Nimbin, effective from Thursday, 28 September 2023.

Lismore City Council Acting Manager Water and Wastewater William Lee said the restrictions were necessary as the water level in Mulgum Creek continued to fall.

“Due to reduced flows in Mulgum Creek and no end in sight to dry weather conditions, it has become necessary to implement water restrictions within the Nimbin water supply for both residents and businesses in the village,” he said.

“For some time, we have been adjusting the operation of the water supply to manage this situation. However, with the long-term forecast showing little signs of consistent rainfall, these restrictions are now necessary.

“We know many people have already reduced their water consumption, and we thank them for that.

“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 water storage supplies last longer.”

Mr Lee said by introducing Level 2 now, the Council is hoping to delay implementing Level 3 restrictions.

Under Level 2 water restrictions:

• Micro-sprays and drippers/sub-surface irrigation can only be used for a maximum of 15 minutes.
• Hand-held hoses with an on-off nozzle can only be used for half an hour every second day, between the hours of 4pm and 9am on odd or even days matching your house number.
• Other irrigation, such as sprinklers, and unattended hoses are banned.
• Filling of new swimming pools is permitted, but topping up is allowed only between 4pm and 9am using a hand-held hose with one-off nozzle.
• Top up of fountains and water features is not permitted except to maintain fish life.
• Washing of driveways, paved areas, walls, windows, roofs and paths permitted prior to sale or lease of property only with council approval. Not permitted for any other reason, except for health and safety. Must use high-pressure low-flow rate cleaner
• Washing of cars permitted with buckets or hand-held hose for ten minutes only between 4pm and 9am on odd and even days matching your house number.

The same restrictions apply to commercial premises with the exceptions that:

• Sprinklers can be used for up to 30 minutes per day for sports fields between 5am and 7am.
• Market gardens, orchards, nurseries can use sprinklers or sprays for one hour a day between 5am and 7am, or 5pm and 7pm.

For a Q&A on the restrictions, water hints and tips, and a factsheet please go to the  council’s webpage www.Lismore.nsw.gov.au and search ‘Water restrictions’.

Background: Nimbin’s water supply is sourced from Mulgum Creek and is operated by Lismore City Council. The water supply for the rest of Lismore Local Government Area is sourced from Rocky Creek Dam and is operated by Rous County Council.