Treated water will be trucked to the Guyra water treatment plant from tomorrow, to prolong the town's dwindling supply until the Malpas Dam pipeline is operating.
Council has contracted trucking company SRH Milk Haulage to transport water from the Armidale Water Treatment Plant, as levels in the Guyra dams sit at less than 27% this week. Trucks will initially deliver 1.2 megalitres of water each week to the Guyra treatment plant, supplementing the town water supply to households and commercial customers.
"The Malpas Dam to Guyra pipeline is being fast tracked for completion in mid August and will enable us to supplement Guyra's supplies during extended dry periods," Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said.
"However, it became clear Guyra's current water shortage, and the town's rate of consumption, will leave the town without water before the pipeline is completed and fully operating.
Councillor Murray said escalated water restrictions had brought a slight reduction in consumption.
"But with drought conditions continuing to bite hard, and without any predictions of substantial rain in the foreseeable future, that drop in use hasn't been enough to maintain supplies for essential water use," he said.
Level 5 restrictions are scheduled to be implemented for Guyra from Monday 24 June, as another necessary step to protect remaining supplies. The heightened restrictions will have significant implications for commercial customers.
"Council is very conscious that some businesses will have to temporarily stop some of their activities completely and the move to Level 5 is an emergency measure until the pipeline is operational.
"Transporting the water by truck will ease the crisis but it is not a cheap process and we have sought funding from the State Government to assist. Our understanding is that funding will be provided.
"In the meantime, we need to get the water carting started to ensure Guyra has sufficient supplies to cover the time expected to take to complete the pipeline and allow for any delays in getting the pipeline operational.
"The move from Level 4 to 5 does not bring additional restrictions for households but we strongly urge all town water users to do everything they can to minimise consumption."
