The worsening drought and bushfires could force an earlier introduction of stricter water restrictions.Credit:James Alcock
Level 3 restrictions were slated to be implemented once dam levels hit 30 per cent,predicted to happen in July,but the worsening drought and bushfires could force an earlier introduction.
Sydney,the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra will move to level 2 restrictions from Tuesday while the Hunter region will also move to level 2 in January for the first time in 40 years.
Level 3 water restrictions were put in place during the Millennium Drought but were on par with current Level 2 restrictions. Level 3 restrictions this time,which are still being fine-tuned and require cabinet approval,would be tougher than any the city has faced.
NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey said Sydney had managed to reduce its water usage by about 10 per cent since level 1 restrictions were implemented in June.
She said level 2 restrictions would save 78.5 gigalitres of water.
"We are aiming to get another 5 per cent[in savings],and I think we can do that,but ideally I would love to get more,"Ms Pavey said.