For the first time in eight years, water restrictions have come into effect, with the Narrabri town water supply moving to level two restrictions.
Narrabri Shire Council announced on Friday, October 3, the measure would take place from 12am on Saturday, October 4.
In its announcement, council said Narrabri has been relying solely on the Elizabeth Street bore in recent months after PFAS levels in the Killarney Street and Tibbereena Street bores exceeded updated Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
As reported previously by The Courier, council had put mitigation measures in place after testing in early July showed the Namoi Reservoir slightly above the current guidelines (PFOS level of 9 ng/l – just above the new Australian Drinking Water Guidelines of 8 ng/l).
“In line with recommendations from NSW Health, council conducted an investigation into this slight elevation of results, switching off the Tibberena and Killarney bores,” The Courier reported at the time.
As temperatures rise, so too has demand on water, placing significant strain on the supply, council said.
The Elizabeth Street bore has a pumping capacity of 60 litres per second. During a 24-hour period, it is topping up the Namoi Street Reservoir by an average of seven per cent. Current consumption, however, is depleting the reservoir by an average of 11 per cent each day, meaning levels are dropping by around four per cent daily.
“We have been actively advocating for a long-term solution for some time and would have liked to see this problem resolved before reaching this point, but we are still waiting,” said Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens (left).
Mayor Darrell Tiemens said the community’s cooperation is needed, but the NSW government’s support is essential. And, with government enforced changes to guidelines being the cause of this situation the time had come for the state government to provide direct assistance.
“Water is everything to this community. Our children are playing in splash pads, our families rely on this water every day, and our schools, businesses, and aged care facilities cannot function without it,” Cr Tiemens said.
“We have been actively advocating for a long-term solution for some time and would have liked to see this problem resolved before reaching this point, but we are still waiting.
“Narrabri needs a treatment system in place within days, not months, to safeguard our supply!”
An emergency grant of $50,000 from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) will allow council to install a larger pump at the Elizabeth Street bore. While this will help narrow the gap between supply and demand, consumption is expected to increase further as the weather warms.
Narrabri Shire Council will also be tightening its own water use. Council announced the measures were in place for sporting fields and parks and gardens in Narrabri.
The Narrabri splashpad, located at Pirate Park, is also operating on amended hours to help conserve the town water supply.
General manager Eloise Chaplain said council was committed to leading by example.
“We are going beyond the level two restrictions and have significantly reduced the watering of parks and public spaces,” Ms Chaplain said.
“Our focus is on keeping essential areas safe and functional while cutting back wherever we can. We encourage residents and businesses to join us by making simple changes.
“Shorter showers, running full washing loads, switching off unnecessary outdoor watering, and checking for leaks are all great places to start. Every drop saved today helps prolong our supply for tomorrow.”
Ms Chaplain stressed that while level two restrictions are framed as recommendations, council strongly encourages the community to follow them.
“If we can all work together now, we have a much better chance of delaying stricter restrictions later in summer. Every drop counts, and every person matters.”
Council will continue to update the community as the situation develops. More information can be found at: www.narrabri.nsw.gov.au/waterrestrictions
What do level two restrictions mean?
From 12am on Saturday, October 4, the following rules will apply in Narrabri:
- Garden watering and cleaning (footpaths, driveways, buildings, etc.): Recommended only between 7pm and 7am.
- Swimming pools: Filling new pools requires council approval; topping up existing pools is permitted.
- Vehicle washing: Allowed at any time, but must be done using a handheld hose or pressure washer.
- Commercial premises: Must follow the same recommendations as residents.
- Emergency services: Exempt from restrictions.
