Water restrictions remain after welcome rainfall

Much needed recent rains have boosted many Far North water supplies but the levels in smaller streams and water sources continue to fluctuate dramatically during summer.

Efforts by residents and visitors to reduce demand have had a positive impact on water source levels even as big events such as Waitangi Day have attracted huge crowds to the district. However, drought remains a very real possibility for some areas of the Far North.

With no significant rain forecast in coming weeks, water restrictions currently in place across the district will remain to protect water sources.

The Petaka Stream which supplies both Rāwene and Ōmanaia, is very small with limited water flow, while the Waiotemarama Stream, which supplies Ōpononi and Ōmāpere, is also sensitive to fluctuations in rainfall and subject to low flows.

Level 3 restrictions banning the use of hoses as well as outdoor sprinklers and irrigation systems continue for the Ōmanaia-Rāwene and Ōpononi-Ōmāpere water supplies.

Level 2 water restrictions continue to apply in Kawakawa-Moerewa, Kerikeri-Waipapa and Paihia-Ōpua-Waitangi. Level 2 restrictions ban the use of outdoor sprinklers or irrigation systems.

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.

The council’s Water Shortage Management Committee will continue to meet weekly to monitor at risk water supplies across the Far North to protect this precious taonga.