NSW: Water restrictions still likely despite Easter rain
By Jim Hanna, State Political Correspondent
SYDNEY, April 28 AAP - Compulsory water restrictions were still likely in Sydney nextmonth despite rain throughout the Easter period, NSW Energy and Utilities Minister FrankSartor said today.
"We don't want the public being lulled into a false sense of security," he told reporters.
"Most of the rain is on the coastal strip.
"There is some rain that has now fallen in the catchment areas, particularly the WoronoraDam which had substantial rain (of) 80 millimetres."
Only about 20 millimetres of rain fell in the Warragamba Dam catchment area, he said.
"That of course was helpful but we still are at overall levels that are dangerouslyclose to compulsory restrictions."
Water storage in the entire Sydney catchment area was at 56.8 per cent, just abovethe 55 per cent level at which compulsory water restrictions would commence.
"If there is no further rain, we expect to have them (compulsory restrictions) in aboutfour weeks," he said.
"We hope not to have to invoke them and the rain is very encouraging.
"But at this stage, people need to realise that the quality of rain on the coastalstrip is not being mirrored in the catchment area that supplies Sydney's water."
More rain was needed in towns like Bowral and Mittagong to lift water levels in theSydney catchment area, he said.
About 40 millimetres of rain per day for five days in a row would be needed to avoidvoluntary and compulsory water restrictions altogether, Mr Sartor said.
AAP jph/nf/ph/br
KEYWORD: RAIN NIGHTLEAD
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