Right now the Manning is experiencing the driest conditions in more than 130 years with the lowest average river flows from 75 years of records.
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"We are facing the most severe water shortage across the Mid Coast region ever recorded," council's director of infrastructure and engineering services, Rob Scott, said.
"We will require everyone to assist in conserving water, so together we can get through this drought."
With Very High (Level 3) water restrictions beginning on Monday, November 11, MidCoast Council is warning there are tougher restrictions on the way soon, unless decent rainfall occurs in our catchment areas.
Using weather forecasts and water usage modelling, council staff are planning for more severe water shortages ahead. At this stage, it is possible that a further increase in water restrictions to Severe (Level 4) will be needed in December.
"We have to face the possibility that some of our smaller water supplies, such as Gloucester, may enter emergency restrictions.
"This has never occurred before in our region. We are making plans just in case emergency supplies need to be accessed.
We are developing options for short term emergency supply of water including getting as much as possible out of our current systems.
- MidCoast Council's Rob Scott
"We are developing options for short term emergency supply of water including getting as much as possible out of our current systems. There are many considerations we must take into account, to find the economic solutions to deliver a high quality water product to our community," Mr Scott said.
The community will be informed as the situation changes, council said.
"More than ever before, everyone is urged to comply with water restrictions and help to save as much water as possible. If everyone reduces their usage right across our area, it adds up to a lot of water saved.
"Apart from following restrictions yourself, you can help by spreading the word to your neighbours. You can explore more ways to save water at midcoast.nsw.gov.au./savewater.
"Complying with restrictions is a whole of community effort, with council operations, businesses and holiday makers all required to curb water use."
Mr Scott advised that there is also a possibility, as restrictions continue, that residents may experience reduced water pressure at home. This will occur as water service teams reduce supply system water leaks and wastage by lowering the pressure.
"Through good management and some fortunate light rainfall at the right times, we were able to keep Bootawa Dam at full capacity right up until early October. Our community is efficient with water use.
"That, coupled with the amazing response of our community in sticking to Moderate Level 1 restrictions, has meant that together we have avoided the need to tighten restrictions until now."
For more information on water restrictions, visit midcoast.nsw.gov.au/waterrestrictions.
