What Hunter rain means for dam levels, water restrictions
Days of Hunter rain have flushed water restrictions away but the region must remain vigilant, Hunter Water says
Dam levels are back up in the Lower Hunter catchment area, with recent Hunter rainfall boosting storage levels to just over 70 per cent.
Chichester and Williams River catchments, Grahamstown Dam and Tomago Sandbeds have swelled with increased run-off during recent weather.
Hunter Water acting executive manager of strategy and engagement, David Derkenne said storage levels sitting over 70 per cent means there is less likely to be water restrictions in the near future.
"While a welcome reprieve, storage levels remain below average for this time of year, and water restrictions are still possible in the coming spring and summer," said Mr Derkenne.
"The east coast low in late May, followed by intermittent rain over the last few weeks has delivered exactly what we needed, with strong inflows into key catchments and ongoing river flows allowing us to keep topping up our dams."
Despite the recent rise, Hunter Water warned storage levels can drop quickly.
Hunter Water urges the public to take four-minute showers, use water-efficient appliances, and limit unneccessary watering in the garden.
Mr Derkenne said they often see how quickly water use can increase after rain.
"Even in cooler months when historically there's less water usage," he said.
"Saving water isn't just something we do during drought. It's something we can all practise every day, in any weather.
"By doing so, we keep our dams fuller for longer and ensure there's more water available when we need it in the future."
Hunter Water are continually investing in rainfall-independent water sources, with projects like the Belmont Desalination Plant underway.
"It will provide a reliable, rainfall-independent supply to help secure water for our growing community, even during prolonged dry periods," said Mr Derkenne.
"We also continue to invest in reducing leakage across our network through increased leak detection which will reduce areas of high-water pressure."
