Small businesses in the Hunter are being encouraged to increase water conservation ahead of Level 2 restrictions, which come into effect next week.
More than 420 million litres of water was saved during level 1 restrictions, as Hunter Water worked with businesses to fix leaks.
Minister for Water, Melinda Pavey says the region’s dams have fallen to their lowest levels in 40 years.
“The Lower Hunter’s dams are declining at a rapid rate of about one per cent each week due to a lack of decent rainfall and high evaporation caused by the very warm, dry and windy conditions.”
Hunter Water’s Acting CEO Graham Wood says businesses using less than 10 million litres should put together a Water Efficiency Management Plan.
“By developing a plan now, businesses be well prepared if the dry conditions continue, which could trigger Level 3 restrictions by mid-year.”
