VASTS volumes of water have been welcomed back to parts of the New England region giving new hope to a number of communities.
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In the region's north, Tenterfield has seen the most profound turn around in fortunes as the town's dam overflowed on Friday morning.
Parts of the shire have been ravaged by bushfire and the crippling drought almost saw the community's water supply run dry.
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Steady rains have seen the dam completely-filled and the council responded by removing its water restrictions for residents.
"Our dam is at 100 per cent," Tenterfield mayor Peter Petty said.
"The lifting of spirits around the town is tangible and a real feeling that we can now move on from the dark days of 2019.
"2020 will truly be a year of renewal for Tenterfield Shire."
Council staff kept an eye on through the night as it approached capacity.
Water eventually cascaded over the dam walls on Friday morning.
While water restrictions have been completely lifted in Tenterfield, the mayor said the drought management plan would be reviewed in coming months and low level measures could be reintroduced to keep usage front of mind.
Meanwhile, the Namoi River is still surging and Keepit Dam has risen to 5.4 per cent capacity.
Water NSW data showed more than 18,000 megalitres had flowed into the dam since January 1.
The level went up by 3440 ML in the past 24 hours alone, and Lake Keepit Reflections Holiday Park manager Leith Smith was elated.
He thought the flow would slow down once the dam hit 3 per cent, but it just kept coming.
With higher water levels comes greater patronage, and Mr Smith said the phone had been ringing off the hook with queries about accommodation availability and boating.
"This weekend and next weekend will be very busy," he said.
"The main boat ramp is nearly back in the water.
"I think it hits the water at around 7-8 per cent, so hopefully this time next week they can launch off."
Current dam levels
- Chaffey: 13.4 per cent
- Copeton: 8.2 per cent
- Dungowan: 22.89 per cent
- Split Rock: 1.6 per cent