WATER restrictions in Braidwood have been downgraded a level following recent rainfall in the region. 

With the Shoalhaven River flowing again, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council has changed the water restrictions from a “level 4” to a “level 3”. 

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council mayor Tim Overall says that whilst the rain comes as a welcome relief, residents are still required to be mindful of consumption.

“The flowing Shoalhaven River means we can resume pumping to our off-river storage dam in the coming days when the first flush of ash and debris in the river settles,” he says.

“Our aim will be to restore the off-river dam to 100 per cent capacity if possible.” 

But this doesn’t mean restrictions have been lifted all together. 

Level 3 restriction sets a 35 per cent reduction target on the long-term average usage for this time of the year, which means a total average daily usage target of 360kl for Braidwood. 

According to the council, the level 3 restriction means:

• Sprinklers still cannot be used and lawns cannot be watered.
• Gardens can be watered using a watering can or hand-held trigger nozzle.
• Watering can only be done between 7am and 10am and between 7pm and 10pm on alternate days under the odds and evens system.The system refers to houses with an odd number street address being able to water on odd numbered dates and even numbered houses being able to water on even numbered dates.
• Level 3 also means no cleaning of paved areas, buildings or windows unless required due to an accident, fire or health hazard.
• No filling of water tanks with other than non-potable water.
• No washing of any vehicle except at commercial car washes that recycle water or hold an exemption.

More information at qprc.nsw.gov.au/water-restrictions