Three hundred businesses in the Dubbo region will get their Water Savings Action Plans (WSAPs) approved if they make a "reasonable effort to reduce water consumption".
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Dubbo Regional Council must sign off on the WSAPs which are required to be implemented under stage four water restrictions starting on November 1.
It is offering "one-on-one sessions" with businesses which request help.
The WSAP document, which businesses will lodge with council, will be uploaded to www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/drought-hub/water-restrictions/water-restrictions before Tuesday in recognition that the transition period from level three restrictions starting that day and level four restrictions "is not long".
READ ALSO:
- Level three restrictions put an end to free water for rural residents
- Turn-off: Level four restrictions not so cool at midnight on a hot day
- Stock and station agents to host charity ball
"The form, which will be found on council's website, will help businesses identify whether they are a high, medium, or low water users," council's chief executive offer Michael McMahon said.
"It will also help businesses decide what they need to do to improve their water efficiency by way of water- efficient taps, engaging staff in water-saving efforts and appointing someone to monitor the business' water use."
The council's Drought Hub includes a list of businesses and organisations which must develop WSAPs because of their "possible high water" use.
They range from hotels and nurseries to hospitals and schools.
But Mr McMahon said the council would be encouraging "all businesses" to get a WSAP.
"This plan will not only help businesses in the current climate, but it means their overall water consumption will be reduced when we are no longer in drought," he said.
"Dubbo Regional Council is developing a plan that will allow businesses to identify where they can improve water consumption.
"If council can see that these businesses are making a reasonable effort to reduce water consumption, their WSAP will be approved."