Water Services
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St George is currently on Level 1 Water Restrictions. The below table relates to the use of River Water supply for outside watering purposes. It does not relate to Town (Bore) Water, which is used for internal household use.
LEVEL 1 WATER RESTRICTIONS Residences Water any time, any day - considering advised target levels
All Schools and Caravan Parks 9am - 12noon and 3pm - 6pm Monday to Thursday Other Businesses Odd Property Numbers - 7am - 11am & 2pm - 6pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
Even Property Numbers - 7am - 11am & 2pm - 6pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
Rowden Park, Showgrounds, Other Town Parks and Council Facilities In Accordance with parks and gardens programme Handheld Hoses - All consumers Water anytime Other and variations to the above Subject to individual Council approval Open ended, unattended hoses must not be used.
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Council staff will be monitoring compliance with the water restrictions.
Use of water by fixed systems NOT drawing on the reticulated town water supply such as a property bore should be accompanied by appropriate signage clearly visible from the street adjoining the property being watered.
Notice of Water Restriction does not apply to reasonable actions taken to prevent material risks associated with an accident, fire or hazard to health, safety or the environment.
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The Balonne Shire Council owns and operates seven water supply networks in the towns of Bollon, Dirranbandi, Hebel, Mungindi, St George and Thallon.
Town Water Source Bollon Untreated artesian bore supply. Dirranbandi Treated water mixed with untreated artesian bore supply. Hebel Untreated artesian bore supply. Mungindi Moree Plains Shire Council treats water from the town weir on the Bokhara River in Mungindi, NSW and meters it before it crosses the border to Balonne Shire ratepayers in Mungindi Qld. St George Untreated artesian bore supply. St George River An untreated supply from the town weir on the Balonne River is used for gardens, toilets and fire fighting. Water is purchased from SunWater, who determines Council's allocation according to supply availability. Thallon Untreated artesian bore supply. -
Rainwater tanks are installed at most homes throughout the shire. However, they’re not always safe to drink from.
Bore water is our potable water supply, tested monthly to ensure compliance with drinking water standards.
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1. Planning and preparation
Careful planning is the key to saving water in the garden.
- Group plants of similar water needs in specific areas for more efficient watering
- Set windbreaks to protect delicate species and to reduce water needs
2. Improve the soil
Soil moisture content is vital to the health of any plant. You can improve the organic matter of your soil by adding manure, compost, peat, etc. A high level of organic matter in your soil will improve plant growth, use less water and fertilisers and promote healthier plants.
3. Grow the right plants
When choosing plants, it’s important to not only consider size, shape, function and appearance, but also the amount of water which they will require. Choose water-efficient plant and you will be saving money on your water rates and helping to create a low maintenance garden.
4. Reduce grassed area
Lawns require more water than other areas of your garden and therefore offer the best opportunity to help you conserve water and save money. Lawns should be designed to be practical and useful and not just as a fill-in area in your garden.
5. Water wisely
The ideal watering system is one which will deliver water directly to the plant roots in the correct quantiles. Drippers, tap timers, trigger hoses and micro-irrigations systems should be used to deliver water in the most efficient manner.
6. Use more mulch
A good mulch of at least 75mm thick, reduces evaporation from the soil surface by as much as 70%. Mulch discourages wee growth, prevents erosion and evens out soil temperature variations.
7. Garden maintenance
The above six secrets will lead to a significant reduction in water use and the time and effort in your garden. However, a water-efficient garden requires regular maintenance to ensure it remains healthy.