RESIDENTS in Surat can be a little more liberal in their water usage after the Maranoa Regional Council agreed to relax water restrictions at a special meeting on Friday.

The change in restriction will kick in from the start of the new financial year, with the new winter watering schedule coming into effect.

Surat's winter watering schedule is to commence on Sunday, 1 July 2018 as follows:

. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday East may water (6am - 10am and 2pm - 6pm)

. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday West may water (6am - 10am and 2pm - 6pm).

Water usage will be closely monitored by Council and residents are asked to moderate their usage in order to avoid the need to increase water conservation measures.