MidCoast residents across the region welcomed substantial rain over last weekend, but water restrictions remain in place until regular rainfall returns to the region.
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Severe level 4 water restrictions will need to stay in place until river water quality improves and pumping to refill the Bootawa water storage can occur.
"We are very pleased to see water flowing again in water courses across our catchment, but we can't start refilling Bootawa storage just yet until the water cleans up," said council's Robert Scott.
Relating reading: The river runs dry - Manning River at zero flow
Overall, the catchment has averaged around 84mm of rainfall for the weekend and 100mm for January so far.
While remaining optimistic, Mr Scott says MidCoast Council will continue to be prepared in case regular rainfall doesn't return to the region over summer and autumn.
"This first flush of rain will bring all sorts of debris and possible pollutants down the rivers with it, and we need to ensure our water treatment plant can purify the water to Australian drinking water standards.
We are very pleased to see water flowing again in water courses across our catchment, but we can't start refilling Bootawa storage just yet until the water cleans up.
- Rob Scott, MidCoast Council
"We are optimistic that we will get a chance to transfer some water from the river to Bootawa Dam later this week or possibly next week. At this stage it is too early to be able to predict how quickly the water quality will improve and when we will be able to extract some water. It is also difficult to tell how fast the river levels may drop again - so restrictions remain in place until we are confident of supply."
The rainfall has allowed more time to have the temporary desalination plant at Nabiac installed and ready to go.
"Unfortunately the vandalism at the desalination plant construction site last week added at least a week of delay, so we will need every bit of extra time we can at this stage," said Mr Scott.
Related reading: Barrington River flatlines leaving Gloucester without a water source
"We would like to thank everyone for the continued cooperation with water restrictions - it's essential we keep up this effort to save water, and not relax now that we've had one decent fall of rain. There's more to be done.
"Gloucester has had a small river rise and we are looking to recommence our water treatment plant and pumping from the river. The Karuah River at Stroud hasn't seen the same increase in flow as the other sources, and we will keep watching this closely."
Bulahdelah's water storage has been refilled - allowing a buffer for that water supply in case there's no further rain for a while.
To keep updated on current water restrictions, the plans for alternate water supply and to monitor your area's daily usage, visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/waterrestrictions.