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Water restrictions imposed

Friday 9 April 2010, 9:46AM

By Nelson City Council

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NELSON

As rural river levels continue to drop Nelson City Council has been forced to impose water shortage directions under Section 329 of the Resource Management Act 1991, for those taking water directly from streams and wells in the following catchment areas:

  • Whangamoa River and tributaries
  • Wakapuaka River downstream of the Teal Confluence
  • Teal River
  • Oldham Creek
  • Poorman Valley Stream

As of Monday 12 April 2010 residents are required to stop using water from these rivers and streams for non-essential purposes. This includes water for crop irrigation, garden watering, washing cars, houses, or driveways.

Water may only be used for fire fighting, drinking, watering stock and domestic washing.

Council is asking for full co-operation from residents in the hope that further restrictions affecting domestic supply won’t be needed. It will review the current restrictions on Monday 19 April and unless there is significant rain, Council may need to extend restrictions to other catchments and further restrict domestic water takes in the worst affected areas.

Council recommends that those people drawing domestic water from catchments subject to these water shortage directions arrange an alternative source of domestic water (for example from storage tanks) should further restrictions on domestic supply become necessary.

The restrictions only affect those Nelson residents who take their water directly from the above rivers and streams and their adjoining wells. Residents and water permit holders are being advised of the restrictions by mail. Council will continue to monitor river flows until we received significant or sustained rainfall.

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