Save water message back on the summer radar

The “Tiaki ngā wai – Save water now” message is back out at retail outlets across the Far North ahead of the summer holiday break.

Retailers are doing their bit to get the water conservation message out to residents and visitors by displaying the council’s Tiaki ngā wai-branded signs. The signs outline what the council’s four water restriction levels mean, what restriction level currently applies to that town and, through simple icons, explain what water use is allowed at each level.

Eighteen retailers voluntarily display the signs, putting them out in high foot-traffic areas every day to ensure locals and visitors understand the status of water sources across our district. New sign locations this summer include Four Square Waipapa and Rāwene Food Mart.

There are currently no water restrictions in the Far North with the council’s eight council water supplies set at Level 1. However, customers are reminded to keep using water wisely, with some areas facing water restrictions if dry conditions continue.

Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly NIWA) has reported that record-breaking November temperatures resulted in the warmest spring on record. This lays the ground for the hotter-than-average weather continuing this summer.

Restrictions on water use are applied to council water supplies to ensure a continued supply of water during extended periods of dry weather. Some of the district’s more vulnerable water sources, including rivers and streams are prone to dramatic fluctuations over the course of the summer – meaning that even after rainfall, water levels in rivers and streams can fall again quickly.

If water restrictions are applied over summer, local retail signs will be updated to display what restriction level is.

The four water restriction levels displayed on the sign are:

• Level 1: There are no water restrictions but please use water sensibly.
• Level 2: You cannot use outdoor sprinklers.
• Level 3: You cannot use any outdoor sprinklers or hoses.
• Level 4: Essential water use only – cleaning, cooking and washing. There is no outdoor water use from council supplies.

Large roadside signs, which also display the water restrictions icons, are installed at key town locations only when Level 2 restrictions (or higher) are applied. These signs include a banner clearly showing the level applied to that town (i.e. Level 2, Level 3 or Level 4). The large roadside signs will only be removed when a town returns to Level 1 – no restrictions.

The council’s Water Shortage Management Committee is meeting regularly to analyse information about the health of our water sources and river flow levels. It makes its decisions on protecting water sources based on the best information available at the time.

Ensuring the district’s precious water taonga is not overused requires all water users to play their part. Please take note of the water restriction levels displayed around your town and be sure to Tiaki ngā wai, care for our waters.