WATER USE has risen in the past week across Tamworth, Kootingal and Moonbi.
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Tamworth Regional Council's weekly water update reveals residents have slurped up about an extra mega-litre daily.
While it's not a huge number, it's still over the target consumption of 16.1ML of water use each day, the council's water sustainability officer Ian Lobban said.
"I think 97 per cent of people are very good, some people don't think the rules apply to them and we have compliance to continue to monitor those people and enforce compliance around misuse of water," he said.
Tamworth just experienced its hottest October days on record.
As temperatures continue to rise it's expected the use of evaporative cooling will increase the city's water consumption.
Water in Chaffey Dam is at 17.5 per cent and Mr Lobban estimates it could hit 15 per cent next month without any rain.
"The water use is going to go up again as those summer months start to bite," he said.
"We would still like to meet our targets, but when things get hot we don't want people to compromise health or safety so run evaporative coolers if you need to.
"But we're asking the community to run them moderately and effectively, and we'll be releasing material soon to help with that."
When Chaffey Dam hits 10 per cent, residents will have to reduce their daily water use from 150 litres to 100 litres.
It's made more difficult to track with the state government still releasing water from the dam, about 58.9ML is released daily.
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Split Rock Dam sits at 1.3 per cent, if the state government restricts general security flows Manilla and Barraba could see further restrictions put in place.
The water levels are very low, Mr Lobban said.
"Last week was National Water Week, I spoke to people for five hours at Bunnings and people do realise we're in this situation and are doing what they can to make their homes or businesses as efficient as possible," he said.
"The attitude and awareness is there, the community should be commended for how they have responded to the situation."
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
