Level 5A water restrictions will be introduced in the Orange Local Government Area from 31 January 2010.
It is expected the 25 per cent water level trigger for Level 5A restrictions will be reached in the next couple of days. The dam levels are currently 25.3 per cent.
The key difference between Level 5 and Level 5A is the use of hand held hoses is prohibited under the latter.
Under Level 5A, which will be in force from Sunday 31 January, garden beds, trees and shrubs may only be watered by watering can or bucket between 6pm and 7pm on Sundays only.
Exemptions granted under prior restrictions and when bucket and watering can restrictions were last operating are no longer valid. People who wish to water their garden but are unable to carry a bucket or watering can may visit the customer service counter at the Civic Centre and apply for an exemption to use a hose between 6.00pm and 6.30pm on Sundays.
As with Level 5, the watering of lawns including established lawns, newly sown lawns and newly laid turf is not permitted under Level 5A.
Under Level 5A the topping up of new and existing pools and spas is not permitted.
The washing of hard surfaces and motor vehicles is not permitted under Level 5A.
Homeowners with bores are encouraged to use water wise practices when operating bores. Water losses due to evaporation can be minimised by watering prior to 8am and after 6pm. It is also recommended that owners erect a sign notifying that bore water is in use. The same applies to the use of rainwater tanks.
