Recent rain has provided a welcome boost to the water levels in the Lower Hunter's dams and sandbeds, prompting the government to ease water restrictions in Port Stephens.
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Minister for Water Melinda Pavey announced on Tuesday that the Port community would return to Level 1 restrictions from Monday, February 24. Level 2 water restrictions had kicked in on January 20.
The Level 1 restrictions were introduced in Port Stephens in September 2019 for the first time in 25 years in response to the state's worst drought on record.
"It has been a welcome relief to receive some much needed rainfall and while local dams haven't made a full recovery, they are in better shape than previously," Ms Pavey said.
"Dam levels have lifted 10 per cent to more than 62 per cent capacity in just over a week."
Speaking beside Grahamstown Dam in Raymond Terrace on Tuesday, Ms Pavey said the decision to bring the restrictions back to Level 1 was based on water level "trigger points" and the advice of Hunter Water experts.
Ms Pavey said that water continues to flow into Grahamstown Dam from the Williams River at between 0.3 and 0.5 per cent.
As of Tuesday, Grahamstown Dam stood at 59 per cent, a 4.6 per cent increase in one month, Chichester Dam is at 100 per cent, Tomago sandbeds are at 65.1 per cent (up 9 per cent) and Anna Bay sandbeds 56.8 per cent (up 2.1 per cent).
"The Chichester catchment in particular has received decent falls, generating streamflow in the Williams River and causing Chichester Dam to spill," she said.
"Although this a positive step in our drought recovery, we are not out of the woods yet, which is why it's important that we all continue to use water wisely and save it wherever we can."
Ms Pavey said that the government would continue its research into infrastructure projects in the Lower hunter, including exploration into desalination plants.
"Water security is the basis for a healthy community and remains a priority for the government."
Hunter Water's acting CEO Graham Wood said that a reduction in water consumption throughout the Lower Hunter by 20 per cent compared with expectations had contributed to the decision.
Level 1 water restrictions permit outdoor watering before 10am and after 4pm with trigger nozzle hose and washing of vehicles with a bucket, trigger nozzle hose or pressure cleaner.
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