10 October 2006

 

SA Water is investigating a project to tackle rising salinity in Robinson Lens – an important underground water source which now provides about 10% of Streaky Bay’s water supply.

 

The Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project will involve transferring groundwater into Robinson Lens to improve the condition of the aquifer and increase its long-term viability as a water source for the region.

 

SA Water Eyre Service Delivery Manager Rob Hughes says despite slightly above average rainfall at Streaky Bay in the past few years and a dramatic reduction in the amount of water drawn from the aquifer, Robinson Lens salinity levels have not improved.

 

“Since the construction of the Poochera to Streaky Bay pipeline in 2003, we have reduced our draw on Robinson Lens by about 90% (or 206 megalitres) a year,” Mr Hughes said. “However, the condition of the aquifer has not improved and we are now looking at ways to safeguard its future and the water supply to Streaky.”

 

SA Water will also look at other ways to save water in the area by increasing flow monitoring to identify and stop leakage from the Streaky Bay distribution system.

 

In the meantime, Mr Hughes has asked Streaky Bay residents to continue to abide by the water restrictions in force on Eyre Peninsula and take extra measures to limit their water consumption over the coming months.

 

“Historically the Streaky Bay community has done an excellent job in managing water use and consumption has remained fairly steady,” Mr Hughes said. “However, this summer it will be crucial for all Streaky Bay residents and businesses to be particularly vigilant.” 

 

“SA Water and the State Government are committed to addressing the long-term water needs of Eyre Peninsula communities and we will continue to work with the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resource Management Board to safeguard the region’s water supply.”

 

The following water restrictions apply to the Eyre Peninsula:

 

DOMESTIC:

§          Gardens & lawns: A watering system or sprinkler for gardens and lawns can only be used between 8pm and 8am during daylight saving hours and 6pm and 8am outside of daylight saving hours. Buckets, watering cans and hand held hoses may be used at any time to water gardens and lawns.

§          Cars, boats & other vehicles: Vehicles can only be cleaned using automatic washing systems that recycle water, commercial car washing facilities using trigger hoses, or on domestic premises using trigger hoses, buckets or watering cans.

§          Paved areas: Water must not be used to clean a paved area unless it is necessary to do so as a result of accident, fire, health hazard or other emergency.

§          Window cleaning: Water can only be used to clean windows by means of a bucket or watering can (and not by means of a hose) filled directly from a tap.

§          Garden ponds, swimming pools or spas: A garden pond, swimming pool or spa that has not previously been filled, or has been emptied, must not be filled without SA Water’s written authority. A wading pool with maximum capacity of 3000 litres can be filled. The level of water in a garden pond, pool or spa previously filled with water may only be topped up or maintained with water from a hand-held hose, bucket or watering can.

§          Fountains: A fountain that does not recycle water must not be operated. Water must not be used to top up or maintain the water level in any fountain.

§          Any other purpose: Water may only be used for general domestic purposes inside domestic premises, for domestic animals and for purposes set out above. Water must not be used for any other purpose without SA Water’s written authority.

 

RURAL:

§          Farms dams & tanks: A farm dam or tank must not be topped up, maintained or filled with water supplied by SA Water without SA Water’s prior written approval, except for a tank that provides for fire fighting, domestic purposes or stock watering.

§          Irrigation: Sprinkler irrigation can only be used between 8pm and 8am during daylight saving hours and 6pm and 8am outside daylight saving hours. Dripper irrigation - no restriction.

 

 

COMMERCIAL:

§          Construction industry: Without SA Water’s prior written approval water can only be used by means of a trigger hose.

§          Food transport vehicles: Water can only be used to clean vehicles by means of a trigger hose, a bucket or watering can filled directly from a tap or by an automatic washing system which recycles water.

§          Mobile water tankers: A mobile water tanker must only be used to supply water to domestic premises or for construction, fire fighting or stock watering purposes. Any other purpose requires SA Water’s prior written authority.

§          Motor vehicle dealers: Water can only be used to clean vehicles by means of a trigger hose, a bucket or watering can filled directly from a tap, or by an automatic washing system that recycles water.

 

PUBLIC FACILITIES:

§          Fountains: A fountain that does not recycle water must not be operated. Water must not be used to top up or maintain the water level in any fountain.

§          Garden ponds, swimming pools or spas: A garden pond, swimming pool or spa that has not previously been filled, or has been emptied, must not be filled without SA Water’s written authority. The level of water in a pond, pool or spa that has been previously filled with water may only be topped up or maintained with water from a hand-held hose, bucket or watering can.

§          Public gardens: A watering system or sprinkler can only be used between the hours of 8pm and 8am during daylight saving hours and 6pm and 8am outside of daylight saving hours. Buckets and watering cans may be used at anytime.

§          Sports grounds: A watering system or sprinkler for sports grounds must only be used between the hours of 8pm and 8am during daylight saving hours and 6pm and 8am outside of daylight saving hours. Hand-held hoses, buckets and watering cans may be used at anytime to water sports grounds.

 

For more information please visit www.sawater.com.au or call the Water Restrictions Hotline - 1800 130 952.

 

TOP TIPS FOR SAVING WATER:

§          Take shorter showers. A shower uses 10-20 litres of water every minute.

§          You can save up to 11 litres of water every minute by installing a water efficient shower head.

§          Install a dual flush toilet - this can save you up to 50% on every flush.

§          Install aerators on taps - aerators reduce the water flow and stop you using as much water.

§          Choose water efficient appliances - look for appliances bearing the Water Efficiency and Labelling Standards scheme and power efficiency labels.

§          Only turn the dishwasher or washing machine on when they’re full.

§          When you’re running the taps waiting for water to cool down or heat up, collect the water in a jug for use on the garden.

§          Fix any leaks as soon as possible.

§          If you’re buying a new washing machine consider investing in a front loader or a water efficient top loader.

§          Check for a leaking toilet cistern.

§          Turn the taps off when you’re brushing your teeth, washing your hands and shaving.

§          Use mulch to prevent water loss through evaporation and prevent soil erosion. Mulch can also help to smother your weeds.

§          Plant indigenous native plants for your area.

§          Choose a drought resistant lawn that will cope with our harsh, dry conditions.

§          Don’t over water your lawn - train it to use less water by encouraging the roots to grow deeper.

§          Weed! Weeds compete with your plants for water.

§          When you wash your car, park it on the lawn and never let any water run into the stormwater drain. Use a bucket to wash the car, or a trigger hose.

§          Regularly check your outdoor taps and hoses for leaks. Leaks normally get worse, so it pays to fix them as soon as possible.

§          Always use a broom or rake to clean paths, paved areas and patios.