More water restrictions for the Far North

Dry weather and strong demand mean further water restrictions are being introduced to a number of communities in the Far North.

Level 2 water restrictions, which ban the use of outdoor sprinklers or irrigation systems, are being applied to households in Kerikeri-Waipapa and Paihia-Ōpua-Waitangi from Monday 13 January.

Dry conditions, with no sign of any significant rainfall in the forecast, combined with high demand as the Far North sees an influx of holidaymakers in the area, mean water sources are under additional pressure. The level 2 restrictions for the two communities are a precautionary move, with demand expected to remain high with both the Auckland and Northland Anniversary weekend and Waitangi Day approaching.

The Puketotara Stream, one of the two water sources that serve Kerikeri-Waipapa, and the Waitangi River, which supplies Paihia-Ōpua-Waitangi communities, are both at significantly lower levels than at the same time last year.

Applying water restrictions to communities is key to reducing demand.

Level 3 restrictions, which ban the use of hoses as well as outdoor sprinklers or irrigation systems, are being introduced to Ōmanaia-Rāwene and Ōpononi-Ōmāpere from Monday 13 January as consumption remains high and water sources low due to the lack of rain.

The Petaka Stream, the water source for both Rāwene and Ōmanaia, is very small with limited water flow. In Ōpononi and Ōmāpere, the Waiotemarama Stream is also sensitive to fluctuations in rainfall and subject to low flow.

Kawakawa-Moerewa will remain at level 2, banning sprinklers or irrigation systems. The Far North’s other water supplies at Kaitāia, Kaikohe and Ōkaihau remain at level 1, where no restrictions apply, but consumers are encouraged to use water sensibly.

The council’s Water Shortage Management Committee is meeting regularly and will continue to monitor water levels across the Far North.