Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) advised residents and businesses in the Bombala area that a conserve water notice is now in effect for all properties connected to town water as of 2.30pm Thursday 13 February 2025.
Council asked that everyone in the Bombala area limit their water usage as much as possible to conserve the town’s water supply, following a major intake pump failure.
The failure comes just 11 days after the failure of one of Bombala Pool’s main water pumps causing the Council to quickly locate a replacement pump motor.
SMRC advises the conserve water notice will remain in place until this situation can be resolved and that Council will notify the community when the conserve water notice can been lifted.
Town water in Bombala remains safe to drink and use.
Bombala water conservation measures: In effect from 2.30pm Thursday 13 February 2025
| Water usage location / Activity | Conservation measures |
| Private gardens and lawns, parks, sport amenities and public gardens | At all times gardens, lawns and plants should only be watered without causing pooling or runoff. Watering between 6pm and 9am will minimise evaporation. |
| Watering systems | Sprinklers and irrigation systems can be used to water lawns and plants. Use between 6pm and 9am will minimise evaporation. |
| Hand-watering | A handheld hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, a bucket, or a watering can may be used at any time. |
| Washing vehicles | Vehicles should be washed on a lawn or other porous surface wherever practicable, only using a bucket or watering can, a high-pressure low-volume cleaner, or a handheld hose with a trigger nozzle. |
| Swimming pools | Pools and outdoor spas should be covered to reduce water loss through evaporation. |
| Bowling greens | No measures in place. |
| Paved areas | Water should not be used to clean paved areas. If required due to emergency or accident, only use a bucket and brush or high-pressure low-volume cleaner. |
| Washing of windows and buildings | Gutters may be cleaned at any time using a hose with a trigger nozzle. Windows may be washed at any time.Other parts of a building may be washed at any time using a bucket, mop and brush and rinsed with a trigger-nozzle hose or high-pressure low-volume cleaner. |
| Construction and related activities | Water should only be used for dust or pollutant suppression using a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or a vehicle fitted with sprinklers. Use non-potable water wherever possible. |
| General exemptions | Fire-fighting.Water not sourced from town water supply, including tanks, dams, reclaimed water, and greywater. |