Don't delay water payments

With the sun shining, the reflection from vast sheets of water can be seen atop the carpet of green.

The ground is clearly sodden, making thoughts about the possible future scarcity of water the furthest thing from most people’s minds.

And anyone who has tried to get the mower out lately to give their lawns a clip would no doubt feel the frustration of not being able to get this weekend chore done.

The rain has been regular enough to give the impression that the droughts of recent years are won’t return.

Take a look at the latest Hume Dam capacity statistics and such thoughts should be quickly discounted.

The vast reservoir is not doing as poorly as it has at times in the past decade, but it still is below the 50 per cent mark. If the spring rains fail, the coming season’s irrigation demands could yet leave the reservoir low and dry.

It is with this in mind that Albury Council has a program to make sure water is used responsibly.

To do so, it charges households what it considers fair, reasonable rates for water consumption.

But it is still a burden for many people, especially when a water account for hundreds of dollars arrives at the same time as a plethora of other bills.

It is a significant impost that no doubt is the reason why households owe the city almost $1 million.

Albury Council has to find some way to recoup this money, lest a budgeting shortfall causes other service cuts.

That is something nobody wants to see.

For that reason it is fair and understandable that the council does what it can to get people to pay their outstanding water bills.

One motivation to pay up is the council’s threat to install water restrictors where households make no effort.

It has to be made clear though that this is very much a last resort for the council, given that just nine of the devices are in place across the city.

People having difficulties are encouraged to a least contact the council to work out a payment plan.