The combined storage of the Googong, Corin, Bendora and Cotter dams has reached 54 per cent but will need to reach 60 per cent before Actew will consider relaxing restrictions.

Managing director Mark Sullivan said that even if 60 per cent was achieved, factors such as rainfall and temperature outlooks, water consumption patterns and the status of the supply infrastructure would determine whether restrictions were relaxed.

Even with storage levels at 54 per cent, Actew has not yet committed to allowing a spring clean, which last year ran from November 15-30. It permitted limited washing of motor vehicles and hard surfaces. Another exemption last year allowed limited use of sprinklers at weekends from December 13 to February 1.

Meanwhile, work on the site of the new Cotter Dam will begin this month. This work will include the installation of environmental controls, transporting equipment to the site, construction of site roads and erection of fences. Construction of the main dam wall will begin in February.

Though Actew has obtained the main approvals, it is still waiting for the assessment of its submission to confirm it has satisfied all development application conditions required by the ACT Planning and Land Authority.