Waimarama residents urged to comply with summer irrigation ban

Waimarama residents are being urged to pay serious attention to a ban on irrigation this summer. The Hawke's Bay Regional Council is the regulating body which sets the limit on the amount of water which Hastings District Council can take from local springs and streams to keep Waimarama’s reservoir topped up. The limits, which are detailed in Council’s Resource Consent, come under severe pressure each summer and the Regional Council has indicated it will take strong enforcement action this year if the limits are breached. Hastings District Council Communications and Marketing Manager Paul Evans says “New equipment has been installed to ensure that the amount of water taken to fill the reservoir each day does not exceed the limits set by the Regional Council. "This will see the supply to Waimarama homes and businesses come under significant pressure, particularly during the Christmas and New Year period when holiday makers flock into the settlement. Residents and holiday makers are being asked to be extremely vigilant in their use of water to ensure the supply is available at all times over the summer period." Mr Evans says it is particularly important that all residents comply with the irrigation ban. "This has been in place for a number of years and applies to the watering of gardens and lawns from the mains supply. Boaties in particular, need to minimise the amount of water they use for washing boats. Residents are also urged to be conservative in their use of water inside the home by limiting the length of time taken for showers, fix any leaking taps and not leaving taps running unnecessarily.” “The Regional Council has indicated that it is serious about enforcing the conditions of the Resource Consent and that will put considerable strain on the town’s water supply if the community doesn’t take steps to conserve water. We ask that all residents take heed of the irrigation ban and work with us to ensure the water supply to the town can be maintained throughout the summer holiday period,” Mr Evans says. HDC staff will be monitoring daily water use and undertaking periodic inspections throughout the summer period to maintain a high profile on water conservation. Council will work alongside the community to achieve compliance with consent conditions. Note: Sufficient water will be maintained in the reservoir at all times in case of fire.