North East Water

Springhurst's water supply is being supplemented by tankers from Wangaratta following a blue-green algae bloom in the town's reservoir.

North East Water's Drought Response Manager, Terry Wisener, said the heat, dry conditions and the reservoir's low level had combined to cause the water quality issue.

"We're now supplying Springhurst with the bore, backed up by tankers running from Wangaratta," he said.

"However the daily volume we can supply from these sources is limited, so we?re urging residents to conserve as much water as possible."

North East Water has enacted emergency Stage 4 water restrictions at Springhurst, effective tomorrow (Wednesday 25 March 2009).

Under Stage 4, all watering of lawns and gardens is banned.

Mr Wisener said the reservoir would not be able to be used again until cooler weather kills off the algal bloom.

"Unfortunately, the emergency restrictions will need to remain in place until we can supply Springhurst from the reservoir, and when that will happen is unclear at this stage," he said.

The reservoir is currently holding 17 megalitres, or 31% of capacity.