Tougher time for gardeners

– Shaun Inguanzo
GREATER Dandenong gardeners could be left high, and even drier, if Melbourne’s water levels fail to increase over the winter months.
South East Water this week urged residents to adhere to Stage 3A water restrictions and to hope that by August Melbourne’s water levels are high enough to avoid the tougher Stage 4 restrictions.
Stage 4 would spell disaster for residents’ garden lovers, as no watering would be permitted at any time or on any day.
Under Stage 3A, a manual dripper system, hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, a watering can and a bucket can be used to water gardens as required between 6am and 8am two days a week.
Automatic dripper systems can be used to water as required between 12am and 2am.
However, specific days apply depending on the street number. Even numbered and no-numbered properties can water on Saturday and Tuesday; odd numbered can water on Sunday and Wednesday.
South East Water managing director Denis Cavagna said water authorities were reluctant to move to Stage 4 at the moment.
“Under Stage 3a water restrictions, watering of one in four sports grounds can continue, and efficient commercial car washes can still operate,” he said.
“By introducing Stage 3a we are minimising the impact on industries affected by water restrictions, protecting jobs and allowing community activities to continue.
But he warned: “If our dams haven’t recovered by August, Stage 4 water restrictions will be introduced.”
Other rules and restrictions apply under Stage 3A.
South East Water said cars could be washed at an efficient commercial car wash, and a bucket filled from a tap can be used to clean windows, mirrors and lights, and spot-remove corrosive substances.
One in four sports grounds can still be watered but councils must complete a water conservation plan and ensure water use on these sports grounds is cut back by an additional 25 per cent.