Now’s not the time to be complacent with water

Orange’s current water situation was a topic of discussion at last week’s Council meeting. One Councillor mentioned that a lot of people in the community were unclear as to what the real situation is, and also what Level 5 Water Restrictions actually require of people. It was suggested that Council could do more to inform people about both these issues.

How we use our water during the current crisis is vital and now’s not the time to be complacent with the way we use it. For that reason, Orange City Life wants to encourage everyone to make a determined effort to use less water when carrying out basic daily tasks. Every bit we save will help prolong any eminent disaster. By disaster, I mean running out of water completely a prospect that is almost unthinkable.

For now, not panicking and simply being diligent would appear to be the best way forward.

Council claims we currently have enough water to get through for the next 12 months, and that without rain. That’s encouraging. I’m not sure how they model to arrive at that but I’m guessing it’s based on water usage numbers that they have. How they factor in people’s response to restrictions, water saving advice etc., I’m not sure but my guess is they err on the side of caution. One thing we can assume however, the more diligent the community is the longer the period will be before we end up in real trouble. For example, if the community on average, cut down their normal usage by 10%, that could overall extend our water supplies by a further month or so. That’s nothing official, just an observation to make a point.

Council, it would appear, is doing a very good job managing our water, despite any criticism or speculation to the contrary. We now need to support their efforts and be constant and diligent in going about it.

Let me therefore, encourage everyone reading this in Orange, to be familiar with what Level 5 Water Restrictions require of us and then make sure you stick to them at least. Better still, go beyond them where you can.

For one simple and easy place to start, please take the time to think about all those areas where we can so easily and so often waste water, often without thinking about it. Leaving the tap run while cleaning teeth or shaving, running a tap and letting it run down a sink while water heats for washing up, running a dishwasher when it’s only partly full. Council recommends taking 3 minute showers so concentrate on the time and think about solving the problem of the world or anything else, after you’ve finished showering. I’m sure you get the idea.

Rain will come, but no-one knows exactly when. Saving water is now and everyone knows exactly what’s required right now. Let’s all encourage one another to be responsible citizens, and let’s pull together as a community, as we work through this current issue.