TRC out-of-hours patrols started at the weekend and will continue while Level 4 Water Restrictions remain in force.

“Council’s compliance officers are targeting those locations where we have had repeated reports of breaches of water restrictions,” the council’s Water and Waste director Bruce Logan said. 

“We are fortunate that most local residents are doing the right thing, but unfortunately there are a small number who don’t seem to get the message. We want to catch these people breaking the rules and, if necessary issue fines to get them to change their ways.

Anyone caught breaking the restrictions is liable to be hit with a $220 fine and ‘as a last resort’ flow restrictors can be fitted to a home’s water connection.

Since the start of this year, the council has issued almost 100 warning letters (71 first warnings and 18 second warnings) to residents across the Tamworth region, who have broken water restriction rules, but no penalty infringement notices have yet been issued. 

In addition to compliance officers, all council staff are keeping an eye out for people who are doing the wrong thing and residents can notify the council of any breaches.

Residents can report breaches of water restrictions by phoning the council’s customer service team on 6767 5555 during office hours. 

Callers will need to provide the day and time of the breach and briefly explain what took place, to allow staff to investigate and issue warning letters or fines.

For more information visit the council’s website.