TasWater has announced Stage One water restrictions for Launceston as a result of below-average rainfall.
The restrictions are expected to be in place at least until the end of March.
"Although these sorts of measures are a regular occurrence in other parts of Australia, this is the first time such widespread restrictions have been necessary for Tasmania," said Ruth Dowty, TasWater Community Stakeholder and Customer Relations Department Manager.
It comes in recognition that the outlined areas have experienced dry conditions and low rainfall for the past 36 months coupled with advice from the Bureau of Meteorology that these conditions are likely to persist through the cooler months.
"By implementing restrictions now, we can build up our storage and prepare greater safeguards against the possibility of dry conditions into next summer.
"We may experience some rainfall in the meantime, but the BOM advice is that it will take several months of above-average rain to make up the deficits in our waterways and reservoirs.
"We are asking community members to work together to help ensure there is enough for everyone," Ms Dowty said.
From today, Stage 1 water restrictions are now in place for a number of communities including Deloraine, Campbell Town, Bothwell, Colebrook, Bicheno, Scottsdale, St Helens, Flinders Island, Burnie, Somerset, Wynyard, Launceston and its surrounding areas stretching from Hadspen and Longford out to Beauty Point and Low Head.
Stage 2 water restrictions will be implemented for Bridport, Orford, Triabunna, Swansea, Oatlands, Ulverstone and Gawler from 20 January 2020 until 31 March 2020.
Hobart will remain on stage 1, Coles Bay will remain on stage 2, and Scamander will remain on stage 3 water restrictions.
"It is important to remember that even though areas west of greater Burnie and south of Huonville are not affected at this point, we are encouraging everyone to be mindful of their water use."
