Saving Water in Wet Weather: Why It Still Matters

When the rain is pouring down, it’s easy to think, “Water is everywhere—I don’t need to worry about saving it today!” But did you know that heavy rain can actually make it harder for us to extract and supply drinking water?

That’s why every drop still counts, no matter the weather. By maintaining good water-saving habits, we help protect our precious water supply and ensure clean, safe water for our community—now and into the future.

Why Rain Doesn't Always Mean More Usable Water

Koree Island Pump Station 2

When heavy rain falls, it stirs up sediment, organic matter, and other particles in our waterways, making the water cloudy—a property known as turbidity. Rain can also wash contaminants from riverbanks into the water, affecting its quality.

Our primary water supply comes from the Hastings River, where water is pumped via the Koree Island Pump Stations. These stations carefully regulate water extraction to protect the natural ecosystem and ensure only the highest quality water is collected. However, during and after heavy rain events, the water can become too turbid to meet strict quality standards, making it unsafe for drinking until it naturally clears.

There are times, however, when we cannot pump from the river. These include: 

1. During and After Heavy Rain Events: Water becomes too turbid.

2. During Drought: The river flow is too low to sustain natural ecosystems. 

3. When the water is contaminated: Quality standards cannot be met.

Hastings River- 2021 Floods

How We Keep the Water Flowing

When we can’t pump from the river, our community relies on Port Macquarie Dam and Cowarra Dam—our off-creek storage dams. These dams hold a combined 12.5 billion litres of water, acting as a crucial backup supply.

However, even this large reserve isn’t unlimited. During the drought of 2019, our dam levels dropped dramatically from 78.6% to just 39.52%, proving how quickly our stored water can deplete during extended dry periods.

To meet future demand, we’re actively planning for sustainable water management. One key project is the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme, set for completion in 2027, which will strengthen our region’s water security.

Our Role in Protecting Our Water

Water conservation isn’t just about preparing for drought—it’s about making smart choices every day to ensure a reliable supply for everyone.

By keeping up simple water-saving habits, like shorter showers, using rainwater for gardens, and turning off taps when not in use, we can all help stretch our water supply further, even in wet weather.

With 86,400 people currently calling the Port Macquarie-Hastings region home—and a projected population of 115,302 by 2046—conserving water will be even more important to support our growing community.

Let’s work together to protect our water resources and embrace smart water use—rain or shine!

Cowarra Dam- Off Creek Storage Dam

Discover More About Our Water System

Want to learn more about where your water comes from? Join our Community Water Tours or explore our Interactive Water Map.

For details on non-rain dependent water sources and future projects, visit the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme Port Macquarie Hastings Council.

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