The Southern Downs Regional Council has consulted with Queensland Health and the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy on the region’s water needs, and on changing water restrictions from 100L per person per day to 120L per person per day – effective from 8am tomorrow, Thursday 19 March.
In a statement released late today – Wednesday 18 March – the council said the change “recognises that, in spite of rainfall across the region, Storm King Dam remains very low, however the situation with supply for Warwick in Leslie Dam has substantially improved”.
“It is also to give residents confidence that they have access to sufficient quantities of water to protect themselves against COVID-19 through good hygiene practices,” the statement said.
“There are 5 ways we can all help stop the spread of viruses –
• Clean your hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid touching your face, nose and mouth and shaking hands. And avoid touching surfaces that would normally be used by other members of the public
• Stay home if you are unwell
• Avoid contact with anyone who is unwell – try to stay 1.5m away from anyone coughing or sneezing.
“Looking after yourself by eating a healthy, balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, sleeping well and reducing stress is important all the time.
“Visit the Queensland Health website for updates on COVID-19.
“Changed water restrictions will come into effect from Thursday 19 March 2020 from 8am.”
As of Monday of this week Warwick’s Leslie Dam was at 14.4% of capacity with 15,321 megalitres (ML) in storage – 15,000 is the cut-off point for irrigation releases to commercial water users, ie local primary producers. Water below that level is reserved by dam operator SunWater for urban water use in Warwick, Allora and Yangan.
