Rural water restrictions continue

Monitoring of rural river and stream levels completed yesterday show that flows are still at critically low levels. As a result Nelson City Council is continuing with the current 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 per the directions issued last week, residents are still 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 appreciates the effort of those who have complied with the restrictions to date and reminds residents that full co-operation could help alleviate the need for further restrictions affecting domestic supply. The river levels will be monitored and the situation reviewed again next week.

Council is still advising people drawing domestic water from catchments subject to these water shortage directions to 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. 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.