A COMPLETE ban on watering, even with buckets, is being considered for level 4 water restrictions in October.
Water authorities are pressing on with plans to keep an even tighter rein on consumption despite doubts about the credibility of current level 2 water restrictions after repeated violations by three regional councils.
The waning enthusiasm among certain councils for a tough line on curbing water use comes as southeast Queensland prepares for level 3 restrictions by June, when authorities believe Wivenhoe Dam will be at 30 per cent of capacity.
Level 3 restrictions would ban all forms of hose watering.
SEQ Water and regional councils are due to meet next month to finalise plans for an even tougher regime of restrictions after level 3. The new rules would come into force if dam levels drop to 25 per cent capacity.
Preliminary discussions had included a total watering ban, even with buckets, a partial ban, incentives for greater indoor savings and tighter restrictions on commercial consumption, sources said.
All 13 councils in southeast Queensland signed an agreement last May 13 to cut water consumption through "uniform mandatory restrictions across the region".
https://www.couriermail.news.com.au/story/0,20797,18928994-3102,00.html
Apr 25, 2006 @ 21:47:22
