Warning: Water restrictions possible

A long hot summer has left the Northland region facing drought-like conditions with below average rainfall over the last few months, and councils are considering the possibility of water restrictions.

“If there is no significant rainfall during the next few weeks the district may be faced with water shortages in some areas,” says Kaipara District Council utilities manager Chandra Dissanayake.

“Council will likely need to restrict non-critical water usage such as watering gardens and lawns and washing cars as a precautionary measure to conserve water.” 

Water for a large part of the Kaipara District is sourced from streams which have seen their water levels drop significantly in recent weeks. 

Alternative water sources such as the Waiatua Dam have been brought online to provide water to meet the current demand. 

The council is continuing to review the level of demand and the available water levels in the streams and dams on a daily basis to ensure that water remains available. An eye is also kept on weather forecasts for mention of predicted rainfall. 

“I would like to thank the community for its voluntary conservation of water,” says general manager operations John Burt. “The efforts of so many have seen a reduction in the daily amount of water being used. Unfortunately we have still not had any rain to speak of and we need to be in a position to take immediate action if this continues. We must ensure that water remains available for essential use.” 

At a special meeting held on February 18, council authorised the chief executive to implement such measures as may be required to restrict the use of the available water supply. 

Information on how to save water can be found on the KDC website kaipara.govt.nz.