Rural water restrictions possible

Dropping river levels have triggered the need for a warning about possible water restrictions for Nelson residents who take their water directly from streams and wells. Council estimates this affects approximately 500 households and they are being kept up to date with the situation by mail.

Monitoring continues this week and in the absence of significant or sustained rain, restrictions will be imposed under the Nelson Resource Management Plan. This will see affected residents, those taking water from wells and streams which breach “Trigger” Flows (low water levels), asked to take water only the following purposes:

• Domestic use – the water you need for your home
• Drinking water for animals
• Fire fighting as required
• On those streams which breach “Minimum Flows” (lower water levels) water may only be taken for fire fighting purposes.

Residents will be asked to stop taking water for crop and garden irrigation should restrictions come into force.

It is important to note that the restrictions do not apply to those on the reticulated supply and water levels in the Maitai Dam, Maitai and Roding Rivers are currently very healthy. However all residents are encouraged to always use water wisely.