Turn on the tap and the water comes out. Job done. Except it isn't quite that simple says Eurobodalla Council's manager of water and sewerage Sarah Lunau.
"With hot and dry weather expected to continue, now's the time to get to know your water supply – including how much we have stored ready for summer and simple things we can all do to make every drop count," Ms Lunau says.
Eurobodalla's drinking water starts in the shire's rivers and is managed through a network of dams, storages, treatment facilities and pipelines. Water from the Deua River is stored in Deep Creek Dam near Mogo, treated to meet Australian drinking water standards, then delivered to homes and businesses across the shire. A second storage facility in the south complements this system, enhancing water security and helping drought-proof the region for future generations.
Ms Lunau says residents' first step to water empowerment is information.
"We make it easy to keep track of the shire's supply. Council's website has a water snapshot with the current level at Deep Creek Dam, updated weekly, and any current water restrictions. Just a minute of your time for a comprehensive overview and you don't need to be a water professional to understand it," she says.
"Currently, Deep Creek Dam is at 98 per cent capacity, holding around 4,900 million litres of water. No water restrictions are in place. Although restriction triggers are linked to dam storage levels, Council also considers factors such as water demand, river flows, catchment conditions and climate forecasts when making decisions about water restrictions.
"For now, residents and visitors are expected to follow Council's year-round permanent water conservation measures. This means conserving supply by watering gardens between 5pm and 10am to reduce evaporative loss, and washing cars, boats and trailers with a trigger-nozzle attachment or, even better, bucket, on grassy areas not hard driveways."
Ms Lunau says simple habits have a big impact and they all add up.
"Taking shorter showers, choosing eco-mode on dishwashers and washing machines, sweeping instead of hosing hard surfaces, fixing leaks, covering pools and spas, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, and reporting suspected water leaks are all easy ways to save water," Ms Lunau says.
Using less water can save residents money too, with Council offering rebates and incentives for water-efficient washing machines, dual-flush toilets and rainwater tanks, as well as a showerhead exchange program.
"We don't know what's around the corner, but obviously summer sees our peak water use. We'll need some decent rain before next year to avoid water restrictions coming into effect."
To see the current level of Deep Creek Dam, check for water restrictions, and find practical water-saving tips and rebates visit Council's water webpage.
