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I’m not joking! Until recently, the state water supply was at an all time low due to an ongoing drought.

Typically the summer months (January-March) bring heavy rain and this replenishes the dams. The dams are currently the only source to supply the city and suburbs with fresh water and the last two years have been dry summers ~ there really hasn’t been any rain.

Currently at a government, council, business and individual level there is an urgent need to ensure we don’t run out of drinking water.

The official plans are two fold:
1. Build more dams so that when it does rain, more water is caught.
2. Recycle and purify existing waste water….the debate as to whether to do the later is fierce. In spite of purifying water techniques being common practice worldwide, locally the idea meets much opposition.

On a very individual basis we have a ‘level 6’ water restriction. That is to say, there is a ration of 140 liters of water per person per day.

“Please explain” letters are sent out with water bills if a family exceeds the limit ~ fines are getting tougher.

The 140 liters of water ration comes with suggestions of how to save water using water saving devices; fixed to taps, toilets etc to basic household vigilance and thought out economics.

Rain water tanks are becoming common place in residential gardens -Linked up to the roof down pipe they catch any winter rain that may come and this is used to help to keep the gardens alive.

In spite of what sounds like drastic measures it is still very possible to bath, wash and clean without exceeding the limits.

Needless to say, native Australian garden plants are very hardy and drought resistant as you’d expect.

Useful Resources:
Queensland Water Commission: http://www.qwc.qld.gov.au/