Smart Water Choices encouraged as Lower Hunter records highest April usage in 20 years

Hunter Water is urging customers to make Smart Water Choices as the Lower Hunter records its highest April water usage in 20 years, alongside declining dam levels and ongoing dry conditions.

Residential water use topped 3.7 billion litres in the month, equating to 189 litres per person per day, driven by warmer and drier weather. Typically, in April, the region’s average per person water usage each day would be about 163 litres, totalling 3.2 billion litres.

The lack of rain in April, traditionally a month when the region receives replenishing rain, together with above average temperatures has contributed to the highest April water demand since 2006.

As a result of these conditions and the associated increase in demand, the region’s drinking water storages have fallen to around 62 per cent, their lowest level in more than five years.

Hunter Water Executive Manager Strategy and Engagement, Emma Berry, said April’s high water usage highlights the need for early action.

“We can’t control the weather, but we can control how much water we use. Every day is a good day to save water, and right now it’s more important than ever,” Ms Berry said.

The Bureau of Meteorology long-range forecasts indicate continued warmer and drier conditions, increasing the likelihood of further pressure on water storages in coming months.

“While any rainfall is welcome, recent falls have been isolated and mainly along the coastal fringe, which hasn’t had a significant or lasting impact on our dam levels. Our catchments remain very dry, which means not all rainfall turns into runoff that refills our storages,” Ms Berry said.

Hunter Water’s dams can drop quickly during extended dry periods, particularly when evaporation rates are high. With the region potentially heading toward drought conditions and water restrictions in winter, Hunter Water is asking households and businesses to start saving water now.

Simple, everyday actions can make a meaningful difference, including:

• Shorter showers - a two-minute reduction in shower time can save around 20 litres of water.

• Only watering gardens before 10am or after 4pm

• Using a bucket instead of a hose to wash cars

• Running washing machines and dishwashers only when full

• Fixing leaks promptly

• Installing water-efficient appliances and fittings

Hunter Water will continue to closely monitor conditions and manage the region’s water supply, but Ms Berry said community action remains essential.

“Now more than ever, we need everyone to make Smart Water Choices around their homes and businesses.”

Customers can find more practical water-saving tips at: hunterwater.com.au/savewater