Residents of the Dubbo region are using too much water but no one has received a $220 fine yet.
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Three-and-a-half months into level two restrictions, Dubbo Regional Council is choosing education over enforcement.
It's planning an advertising blitz to get the regional community on board.
Council officers have been issuing "courtesy reminders" to offenders with those who don't get the message set to receive a hip-pocket shock.
"Staff are focused on engaging with the community to make sure everyone is aware of the restrictions in place before imposing fines during what is already a difficult time for many in the region," council's chief executive officer (CEO) Michael McMahon said.
"In saying this though, as the situation deteriorates the need to comply will increase and staff will be issuing on-the-spot fines of $220 per offence to repeat offenders breaching the restrictions."
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The council is banking on high-level adherence of water restrictions to reduce demand for water.
Burrendong Dam may be empty by mid-2020 if the drought doesn't break.
The council has been given $30 million by the state government to boost its groundwater resources and find alternative water sources.
Mr McMahon said the council was in the process of implementing "an intense community engagement strategy" that would aim to raise awareness and educate the community on how they could help in "preserving the water supply we have available".
"Council staff have taken into consideration a variety of communication channels including radio advertisements, TV commercials, print ads, pop-up stalls around the region, roadside signage to name a few," he said.
Information about the restrictions and a variety of water-saving tips are available at council customer service centres, libraries in Wellington and Dubbo, or through the council customer service team.
Tips for saving water can also be found at www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/Households---Residents/Rubbish--Recycling-and-Sustainability/saving-energy-water.
Mr McMahon reported of an expected increase in water use because of warmer weather.
"The per person per day target is 301 litres on level two water restrictions and we are tracking slightly above that," he said.
"We anticipate as the engagement activity increases by council the community will become more aware of the situation our region is in and will work cooperatively together to ensure we are conserving as much water as possible each day."
Watering of 39 council parks and spaces has ceased, including nine in Dubbo.
Mr McMahon said it demonstrated a proactive approach and reduced demand on the region's "precious water supply".
"We hope the community will appreciate this commitment and be more conscious of their own water choices," he said.