Orange City Council is installing electronic signs around the city to remind residents of the need to conserve water.
The city is currently on level five restrictions, which limits watering outside the home to one hour between 6pm and 7pm on Sundays.
The consumption target for level five restrictions is 160 litres per person per day. Over the last four weeks, consumption has been climbing from 180 to 189 to 211 and this week to 219 litres per person per day.
Council’s Technical Services Director Chris Devitt said residents had responded well to restrictions in trying conditions.
"However, the consumption figures over the past three weeks illustrate greater vigilance is needed," Mr Devitt said.
"There will also be a greater focus on commercial and industrial use over the coming weeks and months. Water conservation is not only the responsibility of residents."
To spread the conservation message, Council is using electronic signage normally used for speed safety messages. The electronic signs will be displayed in the Woolworths Car Park, outside the Council building in Byng Street and the Ophir Car Park. The signs will show the target, the week’s consumption per person per day and dam levels.
Under level five restrictions, watering is limited to garden beds, trees and shrubs by hand held hose, microsprays or bucket. Only one hose per household with a cut-off nozzle affixed or alternatively, a single connection drip or microspray watering system, can be used during this time period. Lawn watering, including newly sown lawn seed or new turf, is not permitted. The hosing of hard surfaces and vehicles and the topping up or filling of pools is not permitted.
