MidCoast Water says water restrictions introduced in the Manning and Great Lakes shires late last month do not apply to Gloucester residents, but may become a reality over the coming weeks.

The service provider said there had been enough rain in areas of the catchment to meet the water needs of local residents. 

“The Barrington River has received some rainfall in recent times, which has resulted in the postponing of restrictions,” MidCoast Water general manager Robert Loadsman said.

“MidCoast Water is monitoring river levels daily and strongly urges residents to consider their water use and refrain from using water outside unnecessarily.”

Residents in the Manning and Great Lakes were placed on stage three water restrictions lasts week with the Manning River at its lowest level since 2002. 

“Restrictions were implemented for the first time in a decade as levels in the Manning River fell to below 20 megalitres a day,” Mr Loadsman said.

Stage three restrictions ban the use of water outside between the hours of 10am and 4pm and limit outdoor use to hand-held hoses and microspray systems only.

The restrictions operate on an ‘odds and evens’ system matching house numbers, meaning property owners are permitted to water their gardens every second day of the week. 

MidCoast Water is expected to reassess its restrictions for the Manning and Great Lakes local government areas next week with the possibility of introducing even more stringent conditions if rain does not eventuate.

The service provider has continued to urge residents of the Gloucester Shire to be mindful of their water use.

The summer water saving program - which asks residents to refrain from using water outside during the heat of the day - has been in force since the beginning of October.