The Western Australian Government has announced a suite of measures to help secure reliable water supply for the South-West town of Manjimup, following months of poor rainfall.

 

The two’s main local dams – Manjimup and Phillips Creek – have received well below average inflow since 2010, prompting the move form the State Government.

 

“A persistent drying climate has meant dam levels have dropped to 28 per cent, or just 529 million litres,” Mr Marmion said.

 

“This is well below the annual demand for water in the area, which is about 700 million litres.


“Taking this into consideration, along with the upcoming summer and little rain forecast, measures including stage six water restrictions, using contingency sources and possibly carting, will be put in place to secure adequate supplies to the people of Manjimup.”

 

 The Minister said the Water Corporation would also launch a major water efficiency program in the area, including a behavioural change project and appliance retrofits in the coming weeks.


“The Manjimup community has done an excellent job in terms of saving water over the last few years and I encourage everyone to take up the new opportunities shortly on offer,” he said.

 

Stage 6 water restrictions, which include full sprinkler bans, will apply from September 1.  The rainfall situation will be continually monitored to determine if these restrictions need to continue into summer.