Tottenham, Albert & B-Section Pipeline - Level 4 Water Restrictions

Published on 27 January 2026

emporary Level 4 water restrictions are effective immediately for B-Section Pipeline, Albert and Tottenham customers. The restrictions are withT respects to the upcoming heat week where temperatures are set to soar in the high forties and have carefully been considered due to a number of circumstances.

The upgrade works in Leg O’Mutton Dam bolstered the water storage capacity. However, it is mostly relying on the stormwater runoff from the surrounding area. The catchment has not had decent rainfall in the past six months and currently there is only approximately 27% storage remaining in Leg O’Mutton Dam.
New Albert Reservoir is now nearly double the capacity. Despite Level 2 water restrictions in place across Parkes Shire and the B-Section in Lachlan, the local demand leaving Albert Reservoir is greater than the volume of water being supplied from Parkes at the B-Section boundary. At this rate, the reservoir level will continue to deplete rapidly.
The on-going extreme hot days will increase evaporation losses from Leg O’ Mutton Dam while also increasing local demand even further.
There is risk of failure for Council’s infrastructure to operate in extreme temperatures consistently for a period of time.

Level 4 Water Restrictions – what is permitted?

During summer, residential and non-residential users can:

Water gardens on Wednesday and Sunday between 6pm and 8pm with microsprays, drip systems and soaker hoses only.
Not Permitted: Watering lawns, hand-held hoses, any watering systems and non-fixed sprinklers.
Top up swimming pools/spas between 7am to 9am and 6pm to 8pm each day (providing pool covers are used). Note: First fill requires Council permission.
Wash cars at home with bucket only on lawn between 9am to 12pm any day.

For further details on activities that are permitted or prohibited at different restriction levels, download the water restrictions tables on Council’s website:

https://www.lachlan.nsw.gov.au/Everyday-Living/Residents/Water-Restriction-Information

Why conserve water?

Water is a precious resource that we need to use wisely.

It’s better for the environment - by using water efficiently rivers keep flowing, dams stay full, and groundwater supplies stay healthy for wildlife and plants.
It’s better for the Planet - capturing, treating and pumping less water to our homes uses less energy.
It’s better for the bank balance - reducing your water bills and by using less hot water, reduces your energy bills as well.

For more information and tips on how you can use water more efficiently, visit Smart Water Advice - https://smartwateradvice.org/.