Upper Lachlan’s Manager of Operations, Mr. Luke Moloney, reported this to last Council meeting.

“Given cooler, wet conditions water usage continues to remain low compared to previous drier years,” Mr. Moloney said.

Total water usage for Crookwell in 2011 was 258 megalitres, which is well below the five year average of 309 megalitres.

“Reliable rainfall resulting in reduced outdoor usage is considerd to be the cause of this result,” Mr. Moloney said.

He also reported that supplies in Gunning, Dalton and Taralga continue to be reliable.

Routine bacteriological tests undertaken at Crookwell, Gunning, Taralga and Dalton continue to meet the requirements of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

However, Mr. Moloney reported that recent chemical tests fully complied, with the exception of Dalton, which failed aesthetic critiria (not related to health) for total dissolved salts, chloride and hardness.

“This is consistent with historic water results for this supply, and is a result of the salty source bore water,” Mr. Moloney explained.

Tenders for the design and construction of the Taralga Water Treatment works are expected to be called in February.

Mr. Moloney added land negotiations are continuing and service extensions to the proposed site are under way.