Water restrictions in Hyden, Lake King, Newdegate & Varley to be lifted today

2/5/98

Water restrictions in Hyden, Lake King, Newdegate and Varley will be lifted today.

Water Resources Minister Dr Kim Hames said above average April rainfall had significantly improved water storage levels.

Dr Hames paid tribute to the residents of the four towns for their co-operation in reducing consumption, another factor in the decision to lift restrictions.

"I am aware that the restrictions were needed during a prolonged hot, dry spell," he said.

"Despite this, all communities involved responded to the call to reduce water consumption and their efforts have been greatly appreciated by myself and the Water Corporation.

"While Hyden and Varley have had restricted supplies for a few weeks only, residents at Lake King and Newdegate have had to endure restrictions over the past few years."

Dr Hames said Lake King and Newdegate would be provided with far greater security over their water supplies with the completion of two major schemes being constructed under the State Government's Rural Water Supply Improvement Program.

Newdegate will be connected to the Great Southern Towns Water Supply Scheme by November and an additional 2.5ha bitumen catchment to increase Lake King's water storage capacity is expected to be completed by the end of the 1998-99 financial year.

Ravensthorpe, where water restrictions were imposed in October 1997, is now the only town in the region where there is still a storage concern. The town will continue to be closely monitored with the view to lifting the restriction as soon as practical.

Media contact: Caroline Lacy (08) 9424 7450