Tasman Dry Weather Taskforce Update

Water Rationing to Take Effect 24 December

Tasman District Council’s Dry Weather Taskforce Convenor, Dennis Bush-King, said that water rationing for users on the Waimea Plains will be implemented effective Monday, 24 December.

“We have seen a continuing decline in groundwater levels and the Waimea River flow which got down to 2.6 cumecs will continue to drop by up to 100 litres per day. The rain we got Tuesday, 10mm in the Wairoa Gorge and 3 mm on the Plains, while having a temporary effect on river flows will not really alleviate the overall dry situation, the soil moisture deficit, and the low groundwater levels. This means that water restrictions on the Waimea Plains need to be implemented,” said Mr Bush-King.

“With water demand increasing as is the norm over this period, and continuing dry conditions, river flows in the Waimea would deteriorate quickly over the next few weeks so stage two and stage three rationing could be implemented quite quickly. Growers should plan for this prospect,” said Mr Bush-King.

Mr Bush-King said 50mm of rain on the Plains would be just what is needed to alleviate current conditions.

The Stage 1 rationing, meaning a cut in use by 20 percent of consented water-take levels, applies in the Upper Catchment, Reservoir, Waimea West, Delta, Golden Hills, and both the Lower and Upper Confined Aquifer zones on the Waimea Plains.

“The Moutere and Motueka zones are also getting dry and reaching record lows for this time of year.  Water has been released from the Kainui Dam to help the Wai-iti River.  Rain and release of water from the Cobb Dam has helped in Golden Bay, but the prognosis is for dry conditions affecting the whole district over the New Year,” said Mr Bush-King.

Urban Conserve Water Notice Issued

Council will also issue a Conserve Water Notice in the urban areas of Richmond*, Mapua – Ruby Bay, Brightwater, Hope, Wakefield, Tapawera and their rural extensions. This also applies to the rural water supply schemes of Redwood Valley, 88 Valley, and Dovedale. Hand-held hosing only is permitted on odd and even calendar days corresponding to the house street number.  Owners of private domestic wells in the areas subject to rationing are also directed to only water domestic gardens every second day.

“Council appreciates the co-operation of all water users. If water permit holders are not irrigating, Council needs to be advised, otherwise weekly meter returns are required.”

Mr Bush-King said that failing to submit water meter returns meant Council would do the meter reading and there would be an extra charge to permit holders.

* Richmond includes Daelyn Drive, Taranaki Place, Joyce Place, Kingi Place, John Sutton Place and Hill Street North including Mako Street, Marino Street and Iti Lane.

All water consumers are asked to notify Council immediately of any leaks – Phone 03 543 8400 (24 hours).