Drought response level rises to high

Recent rainfall was cause for smiles all round and a sense of relief, however we have a way to go before tanks are filled and water scarcity is no longer such a threat.

Norfolk Island Regional Council’s interim Drought Response Plan details five drought response levels, ranging from low to catastrophic. This week the island moved from Medium to High, with some water carters reporting bores with no water available in them.

Under the High level, Council works with the island’s water carters to supply them with desalinated water to enable them to keep up with demand, ensuring uninterrupted water supply to the community

It’s important that residents continue managing their water usage by checking taps, gutters, and water treatment systems regularly, including replacing clogged filters. Check the level of all tanks and if they are getting low and/or have had to be topped up with bore or creek water, NIRC recommends boiling your water for at least one minute before drinking.

Chemicals can also be purchased to treat bacterial contamination or consider installing a UV filtration system.

Livestock owners may have noticed that water availability at Headstone has greatly reduced in recent days. This is due to the failure of the pump from the dam, Council has arranged to have the pump checked and reinstated as quickly as possible. Keep an eye on our facebook page and an ear out for radio notices to find out when it is back in operation.

NIRC is also in discussion with the Department of Infrastructure to determine how to manage water in the KAVHA area, so that this is prioritised for livestock and commercial gardens. Discussions will consider restricting access to public water points at Rosie Hessie’s, Watermill Dam and Headstone. An outcome will likely be known early next week.

Let's all remain diligent with our water-saving efforts and hope that rainclouds over Norfolk deliver some heavy rain to replenish our water resources.

NIRC’s Drought Response Plan levels.