On Mar 23, 9:27 am, "Liz"
not.msn.verizon.net> wrote:>> As the drought continues and gets more savage, as government
>> infrastructre spending and supply unchanged since the early 1980's and
>> as water runs out across the state, we have finally been hit with
>> level 5 water restrictions starting april 10,2007:
>
>>>From local news:
>
>> -No water can be used outside the house at all, so you can't do
>> anything outside the house except wash domestic pets (that must be
>> unclean), car windows, mirrors (that must be unclean) with hand held
>> containers of water. Car washing is totally banned
>
>> -Mandatory half bricks will have to be installed in all toilets,
>> commercial and private
>
>> -Pool owners will have to use rainwater to fill up or pay to have
>> water carted.
>
>> -Public outdoor showers have been turned off by local government, and
>> washing the outside of homes will be banned.
>
>> -Water prices to rise from next year by an average of 250%%
>
>> -Showering to be limited to 2 minutes per person per day, (washing of
>> hair only 1-2 times a week is encouraged)
>
>> -2 south-east Queensland power stations will have their water supplies
>> cut.
>> The Government (naturally) insists the savings at Swanbank and Tarong
>> power stations won't impact on the region's power supplies, and won't
>> impact on jobs.
>
>> The level five water restrictions were announced today.
>> --------------------------
>> But it's not enough, and the Queensland Water Commission is already
>> talking about unprecedented level 6 restrictions, saying they could
>> take effect in September. Level 6 and 7 water restrictions are already
>> being drafted, and are believed to include all of the following
>> drastic measures:
>
>> -Mandatory sealing of outdoor domestic taps with substantial fines if
>> seals broken except for emergencies such as fire fighting, first aid
>> etc.
>
>> -Usage of washing machines not permitted unless fully loaded, and on a
>> short cycle.
>
>> -Collection and use of all grey water for gardens and toilet flushing
>> will be encouraged
>
>> -Rationing of showers and baths to as few as 1 per week per person,
>> (on other days, wiping with a wet cloth only).
>
>> -Flushing of toilets containing only urine to be banned. Urinals must
>> be decomissioned where there are regular pedestals available.
>
>> -Severe kitchen and bathroom water restrictions, washing of
>> vegetables, dishes or brushing teeth using running water to be
>> prohibited (only still water is to be used)
>
>> -Total ban on use of dishwashing machines except in specified
>> commercial food, laboratory, hospital and medical premises (as
>> specified under the local health act)
>
>> -Total ban on any filling of swimming pools
>
>> -Mandatory rainwater tank installation
>
>> -Mandatory inspections of premises and "please explain" notices for
>> households that are believed to be using too much water. Mandatory
>> state-run counselling and re-education programs for repeat offenders.
>> Major restriction of water supply (trickle-feed) is also an option
>> being considered
>
>> -Due to excess power consumption requiring extra water for electricity
>> generation, power saving measures such as bans on air-conditioning,
>> heating, and limits of number and wattage of light bulbs that can be
>> used at any time are also being drafted.
>
> Holy smokes Kendrick! I found the
following:http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-03-22-voa11.cfmand it looks as though
> things could certainly get worse. Have you considered taking out your lawn
> and planting plants that don't need as much water?? Here the practice is
> called xeriscaping - and we use some plants from Australia as a matter of
> fact.
> Here's wishing you rain, Liz
The plants that are in the yard haven't been watered since 1994 (due
to restrictions and the cost of water) but they do fine somehow :). I
think they adapt. I dont know how, since its possible to not get rain
for weeks at a time.
