WATER releases will resume at Split Rock Dam when the demands are no longer met by river flows.
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The dam, which supplies Barraba and Manilla, sits at just 4.1 per cent.
When WaterNSW resumes releases, water restrictions in the two towns will be dealt with separately.
At Tuesday night's council meeting, Tamworth Regional Council councillor Jim Maxwell said there needed to be better communication with residents.
"I think it's very important it be explained to Manilla and Barraba why we aren't left in restrictions," he said.
"People are getting very niggling and I got a fair bit attacked in Barraba about the issue.
"I think it needs to be spelled out pretty loud and clear, I would appreciate it because I'm getting a few knives at the moment."
I think it needs to be spelled out pretty loud and clear, I would appreciate it because I'm getting a few knives at the moment.
- Jim Maxwell
Tamworth Regional Council approved changes to restrictions for the two towns in February.
A council spokeswoman said WaterNSW have plans in place to manage the available water in the catchment.
"Council is in regular contact with WaterNSW and believes that the plans in place will not significantly impact water security should WaterNSW decide to resume releases from Split Rock Dam," she said.
"WaterNSW has not given a timeline that indicates when releases will be made."
Water releases were severely restricted in 2019 to ensure town water supplies for Barraba and Manilla.
General security licence holders were cut-off and water was released in intermittent pulses essentially to supply Manilla residents with town water, it was occasionally available to high security and stock licence holders.
At the moment there is unregulated flow in the system and the two town's demand is being met by unregulated flows in the Namoi River System.
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Releases from Split Rock Dam won't start until demands are no longer met by river and tributary flows.
Recent rainfall is yet to be drought-breaking, a WaterNSW spokesman said.
"Water NSW will continue to monitor the situation," he said.
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.
