THE business chamber wants the council to avoid bashing organisations with a "big stick" when it comes to water use.
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Tamworth Regional Council has begun an audit of 53 thirsty businesses in town individually using more than 3.5 megalitres per year in a bid to put a plug in water wastage in the region.
It comes as the councillors are set to vote on a $210,000 suite of measures targeting water waste in private residences and council operations.
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The Tamworth Business Chamber took to social media on Monday to call on the council to host a water-saving workshop to educate companies based in the city.
"[The] chamber has put in a call to council encouraging them to work cooperatively with business rather than take the big stick approach," the chamber's post said.
"It's a matter of education, and it's been some time since we've been at such critical levels."
The Tamworth chamber asked to meet with the council to discuss ways to improve water sustainability among businesses.
"We have invited council to brief the chamber and to consider hosting information sessions for businesses who are big users of water," the social media post said.
"We will keep members informed."
Tamworth Regional Council's water sustainability officer, Ian Lobban, said businesses can account for a substantial amount of consumption in the week.
He said the city was consuming about 19 megalitres a day, but the average would drop to about 13 meglaitres on the weekends.
"We're actually corresponding with businesses regarding their use of water on landscaping," Mr Lobban said.
"Whilst they can be using water for operations, they can't be using that water for irrigating or landscaping lawns or gardens.
"As far as the operations, we are not interfering with business and industry at this point."
Tamworth, Moonbi and Kootingal are currently on level three restrictions.