20/12/2024
Bonshaw Water Restrictions Lifted Following Supply Recovery
Water supply to Bonshaw residents has returned to normal, following successful recovery of supply levels.
Water restrictions were introduced after a 10-hour power outage caused the Bonshaw supply bore to go offline, leaving the reservoir unable to replenish while water demand remained steady. This resulted in the reservoir reaching critically low levels.
During the restrictions, Bonshaw residents were requested to limit their water use to 100 litres per person per day, ensuring sufficient supply for essential non-potable domestic needs such as toilet flushing, clothes washing, and cleaning. A water tanker was deployed to refill the reservoir, ensuring residents maintained access to water for critical needs.
Council acknowledges the understanding and cooperation of Bonshaw residents during this time, which played a significant role in stabilising the supply.
Over the two weeks following the implementation of restrictions, the bore was able to sustain satisfactory reservoir levels due to the reduced water usage. On 4 December, restrictions were lifted, and residents were notified via letter. Council requested continued responsible water use to help maintain stable supply levels.
Council’s Water Services team continues to monitor the Bonshaw water supply closely, particularly during the lead-up to the busy Christmas period. Investigations into long-term solutions are ongoing, with pump testing planned for the secondary supply bore. If testing results are unfavourable, further options will be explored, including:
• Sourcing water from the Dumaresq River (similar to the original supply scheme).
• Identifying a new bore location.
• Potentially combining these approaches with increased reservoir capacity.
Mayor Cr Kate Dight says, “We thank Bonshaw residents for their cooperation and understanding during this challenging period. Council is committed to finding sustainable solutions to ensure a reliable water supply for the community. We will continue to work diligently to address this issue.”
Council has confirmed that there will be no water restrictions over the Christmas period.
