Restrictions coming to all Far North water supplies
All Far North water supplies will have water restrictions applied as of Monday 17 March when Kaikohe, Kaitāia and Ōkaihau move to Level 2 restrictions banning the use of outdoor sprinklers or irrigation systems.
The move comes a week after the government classified the whole of Northland – as well as Waikato, Horizons and Marlborough-Tasman regions – as being in drought.
Level 2 water restrictions are already in place in Kawakawa-Moerewa, Kerikeri-Waipapa and Paihia-Ōpua-Waitangi. The remaining two Far North supplies of Ōpononi-Ōmāpere and Ōmanaia-Rāwene have Level 3 water restrictions applied which ban the use of hoses, outdoor sprinklers and irrigation systems.
Applying water restrictions to all eight Far North water supplies is a preventative measure to protect sensitive river sources. During drought conditions, flows in these water sources drop dramatically after rain does occur. NIWA is predicting a very dry March, with little significant rainfall, especially in western areas like the Hokianga.
The government announcement last Friday is the eighth time in 20 years a drought has been classified in Northland and comes as water consumption remains high across the district with all council water treatment plants running at or near capacity.
Cooling autumn temperatures have brought little respite for Far North rivers and soils struggling to reach stable levels after a long hot summer. Further steps may be needed, with Ōpononi-Ōmāpere at risk of having restrictions raised to Level 4 - the highest restriction level - which limits customers to essential water use only for cooking, drinking and washing.
A drought classification allows guidance and advice to be provided to farmers who may be experiencing difficulties, like a lack of stock feed or other animal welfare issues. A drought declaration is more serious and may require a Civil Defence response.
Council contractors remain focused on targeting leaks and discussing water use reduction strategies with commercial consumers.
All Far North residents and visitors are asked to continue to be mindful of their water use and to report any water leaks by calling 0800 920 029.
