How long will our water last?

When will we run out of water?

From analysis of low water consumption days (rainy days) over the past 12 months consumption gets as low as 25mL/day.  If we can maintain that level our water will last until September 2008, assuming we continue to get the same amount of rainfall as the last 5 years.

There are currently about 30 additional bores being sunk in Toowoomba, including new sources into the Great Artesian Basin and the Geham Bore.  With the additional groundwater coming online our dam water could last until July 2009, again assuming the same rain patter as the past 5 years.

Then for every 10% rainfall/runoff that the dams get another 12 months can be added onto the life of the dams.

Under tougher restrictions (Level 5) and full co-operation of the community, minimum daily consumption will be between 25 and 30Ml/day (down from 35.6ML/day in the 12 months to March 2006).

We will need to make decisions about emergency procedures before recycling kicks in, currently around November 2007 to allow for construction, although with additional rain that decision may be delayed by upto 12 months.

Then there is also the additional rainwater tanks that are being rebated that will reduce the strain on the dams and if used to their full extent will extend our dam water further again.