More items have been added to Dubbo Regional Council's water rebate scheme in an effort to get residents under the daily water target.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Residents in the local government area can get a rebate on two dual flush toilets and swimming pool covers - up to $150 for each item - as well as a $250 rebate on a rainwater tank above two kilolitres.
It's on top of the initial rebate scheme for water saving shower heads and outdoor irrigation timers.
The average water usage for Dubbo residents between January 20 and 26 was 308 litres per person per day - 28L above the target.
Wellington and Geurie were much more water wise with an average of 189L each for the week.
ALSO MAKING NEWS:
Mayor Ben Shields said it was "disappointing" to see Dubbo over the target.
"I know there are a lot of people going through pain at the moment. This drought is very, very painful not just for residents but also for businesses. This is just one way we can further assist in getting our water usage down," he said.
The rebate scheme is available on any of the devices bought after November 1, until April 10 or council hits its $100,000 limit.
Cr Shields said the rebates had been working successfully to lower water usage in cities like Tamworth and Armidale.
"We have got major problems with our underground aquifers, they are dropping. It's not just Burrendong Dam we're talking about here, we're in real trouble underground and we need to make sure that our residents understand that. And we need to give them the tools so they can take appropriate action," he said.
Councillor Greg Mohr said toilets were one of the biggest users of water and numerous older houses in Dubbo were not fitted with dual flush systems.
He said he hoped the rebate would assist in making the city's water supply last longer.
Councillor Dayne Gumley said everyone needed to contribute to water saving efforts until the rain comes and the dams are refilled.
"[As Roger Fletcher said], we're all in this together at the end of the day. It's not council on its own, it's not the community on its own, it's not business on its own," he said.
Since council started recorded the average water usage for Dubbo in November, the community has only been under the 280L target twice.
The highest water use was recorded between December 30 and January 5 at 393L.
Residents can apply for the rebate through the Dubbo Regional Council website. Residents can also visit the Dubbo or Wellington council administration buildings.
Proof of purchase is required to claim the rebate.