Kempsey Shire Council lowered the official Water Supply Restrictions from Level 3 to Level 2, across the shire, as of Monday 24 February.
The recent weeks of rain activity have provided strong flow in the Macleay River, allowing the dam to be refilled through the Sherwood borefield. Steuart McIntyre Dam has reached 74% capacity, 18% higher than its low point of 56% in early January.
Council's Manager Water and Sewer, Wes Trotter, said the quality of the water coming out of the bores was excellent and the replenished dam level warranted lowering the level.
"The recent weeks of consistent rainfall upriver have provided a strong flow in the Macleay, while the rain right here in the shire has greatly reduced consumption," Mr Trotter said.
"It is the double whammy of increased supply and decreased use that means we can make this decision."
These restrictions apply across the Shire and include the Kempsey Lower Macleay area and water supply schemes in South West Rocks, Hat Head, Crescent Head, Stuarts Point, Bellbrook and Willawarrin.
Under Level 2, gardens and lawns can only be watered using hand-held hoses for 30 minutes every second day between 4pm and 9am using the 'odds and evens' system. No sprinklers or soaker hoses can be used.
Residents are advised to use buckets and trigger hose rinsing for washing cars, boats and trailers, limited to once a week.
The outdoor cleaning of windows, walls, roofs, gutters, driveways and paved areas is banned, unless required as a result of an accident, emergency or health hazard.
Topping up of swimming pools is allowed by hand-held hose for a maximum of 30 minutes between 4pm and 9am on allocated 'odds and evens' days.
Council operated water facilities at shire beaches have also been turned back on, though some permanent water efficiencies will remain at our beaches with showers and fish cleaning tables now all on timer switches.
