WATER continues to dominate decision making at Tamworth Regional Council with a range of new measures brought forward.
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It comes as one of the city's most senior councillors called on the nation to be "far more responsible" with how it used water.
At their ordinary meeting on Tuesday night, the councillors unanimously backed a move for future residential developments to include greywater reuse systems.
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Helen Tickle's motion will see a new plan urgently progressed and submitted to the council for a vote.
There was a great showing of support for the motion.
Even though Juanita Wilson highlighted it could increase the cost of developments and prolong construction time, she said there was still an absolute benefit.
She said the drought had brought one thing sharply into focus.
"Water is not a luxury, it is a necessity and it should be treated as such," she said.
The motion drew support from deputy mayor Phil Betts who suggested water conservation was the responsibility of all.
"It is imperative on all of us ... we need the complete community, not just those on reticulated supplies, to be far more responsible and sensitive with how we use our water," he said.
The greywater call gained unanimous support from the councillors, unlike the recent suggestion from Mark Rodda for a sewage reuse scheme.
However, Cr Rodda was hopeful a direct potable reuse option could be put forward later on and the greywater work could help pave the way.
"I'm sure we won't get too many arguments at this time," he said on the greywater.
"While it might rain, they'll be aware we will suffer dry times again, schemes like this might go some way to mitigate problems we face," he said.
Cr Tickle's motion also got support from Pete Dillon, a local plumber who spoke before the meeting.
He said there could also be areas in town suitable for "blackwater" reuse.
The council also voted in favour of a $50,000 rebate scheme to businesses to install water-saving measures on site.
A current scheme exists for residents with rebates available for dual flush toilets and water-saving shower heads.