Ōpononi water supply risks Level 4 restrictions

Ōpononi and Ōmāpere risk having Level 4 water restrictions applied – the highest restriction level – after a water main leak over the weekend almost emptied the supply’s storage reservoir.

Level 4 restricts customers to essential water use only - cooking, drinking and washing. To avoid this, residents and visitors are being urged to immediately conserve water to allow the reservoir to refill.

This is taking longer than usual due very low flows in the Waiotemarama Stream, the primary water source for the towns. Ongoing dry weather has seen levels in the stream fall close to the minimum consent levels granted by Northland Regional Council.

Far North District Council Head of Infrastructure Tanya Proctor says drought remains a real possibility for some areas of the Far North and that the Waiotemarama Stream is very vulnerable to dry conditions.

“The timing of the mains leak was very unfortunate. It was particularly difficult to locate and was finally repaired on Sunday. However, it was disappointing that despite Level 3 water restrictions being in place for Ōpononi and Ōmāpere since mid-January there were several reports of people in the area washing cars and boats during the weekend. Level 3 water restrictions ban the use of hoses, outdoor sprinklers and irrigation systems.”

She says there is a danger that both towns may run out of water and residents are asked to conserve as much water as possible to enable the reservoir to refill.

Water restrictions are currently in place across the district to protect water sources.

Level 3 restrictions are in place for Ōmanaia-Rāwene water supplies, as well as for Ōpononi-Ōmāpere. Level 2 water restrictions – which ban the use of outdoor sprinklers or irrigation systems - continue to apply in Kawakawa-Moerewa, Kerikeri-Waipapa and Paihia-Ōpua-Waitangi.

Kaitāia, Kaikohe-Ngāwhā and Ōkaihau will remain at Level 1, where no restrictions apply but customers are encouraged to use water sensibly.

Residents and visitors throughout the Far North are asked to continue to be mindful of water use and avoid any unnecessary use.

If you see a water leak or inappropriate use of water, please call the council on 0800 920 029. Our staff are available 24 hours a day.