It was announced on 9th December 2019 that Level 2 water restrictions will commence across the Lower Hunter in early 2020, as the regions dams fall to their lowest levels in almost 40 years.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a hot summer with ongoing dry conditions. If this tracks as predicted, Level 2 water restrictions will commence on 20 January. This would be the first time Level 2 restrictions have been in place since the 1980s drought. It comes as Hunter Waters storages drop to 57.9 per cent capacity. The last time levels fell below this total was in July 1980.

While there is a possibility the region could receive rainfall between now and then, we are preparing early to provide Hunter Water customers with certainty, we are conscious of Christmas and the school holidays fast approaching.

Under Level 2 water restrictions, outdoor watering is limited to 15 minutes every second day, vehicles and buildings can only be washed with a bucket and showers are limited to four minutes.

You can find more information about Level 2 water restrictions here.