Hot, dry summer conditions show little sign of abating and Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is calling on residents to check their daily water usage and watering habits.

TRC Water and Waste Committee chair Cr Nancy Sommerfield, pictured, said a reminder about water usage was timely, given there was little likelihood of imminent soaking rain.

“With little respite from the long, hot summer in sight, Council is keeping a close eye on water consumption figures,” Cr Sommerfield said.

“Understandably, the recent hot weather has seen quite an increase in daily water consumption, jumping from the usual consumption figure of 180 litres/person/day (l/p/d) for this time of year to a significant 248 l/p/d last week, with a peak of 298 l/p/d on Wednesday, January 24.

“Permanent conservation measures with a consumption target of 200 l/p/d have been in place since the 2011 flood event (for a comprehensive guide of where this applies and a range of regional restriction times and activities, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/permanentconservationguidelines

“Toowoomba is experiencing its driest January in some time and we need to carefully consider our usage in the current conditions, with an eye to the future.

“Water is our most precious commodity and Council is reminding residents to please monitor their water use, consider water saving measures such as tap timers and adhere to the activities and watering times permitted under the permanent conservation measures.

“Home gardens and lawns can be watered before 10am and after 4pm from Tuesday to Sunday. No watering is allowed on Monday.

"Residents should check they have water efficient devices (to comply with Queensland Efficient Irrigation for Water Conservation Guidelines). The guidelines can be viewed at www.tr.qld.gov.au/waterconservationguidelines

“Cleaning vehicles, buildings and outdoor entertainment areas (not large paved surfaces such as driveways and car parking areas) is permitted with a bucket, hand held hoses with trigger or twist nozzles or high pressure cleaning units.

“Also check your tap fittings and be wary of undetected leaks. Turn off all taps and read the water meter, then check the meter some time later to see if the meter reading has changed. If the reading has changed, you could have a leak underground, in a toilet or an outside tap. Call a plumber to find the source or fix the problem.

“This not only saves water, but any unnecessary and wasteful expense. Householders are reminded that the first tier consumption level charges apply up to 100 kilolitres, before the higher second tier charges start.

“Fortunately, residents have shown great discipline and respect for observing water restriction levels in the past and we need to be extra vigilant about ongoing usage.

“Conserving water is a fact of life in a dry continent like Australia and the current drought is a stark reminder of this.

“Council’s current water management planning is reviewing water restrictions triggered by relevant dam levels, should the prevailing dry conditions continue over the next three to six months. At this stage Council is adopting a watch and monitor approach.

“However, Council will be reviewing all available water conservation options in the near future to ensure we retain our attractive lifestyle attributes for current and future generations.”

For more information on permanent conservation levels, please call Council on 131 872 or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/water