Drought forces water bans

Water shortages have reached critical levels in Kaitaia, Opononi and Omapere as drought conditions worsen and weather forecasters predict at least two more weeks without rain.

The Far North District Council has extended a ban on the use of hoses and garden irrigation systems in Kaitaia to Opononi and Omapere.

It will reduce water pressure at supplies in the towns next week and may extend the hose pipe and garden irrigation ban to Rawene, Kaikohe and Kawakawa where supplies are at medium risk.

Water sources at Kerikeri, Paihia and Okaihau are still reasonably plentiful.

Infrastructure and asset general manager David Penny says the water shortage situation in the district is serious, bordering on critical.

It has forced the council to consider measures it has never had to implement before.

A campaign to reduce water consumption has resulted in no significant water savings.

The council is turning to regulation, enforcement, rationing and compulsory restriction to maintain sufficient water flows to protect public health.

It is seeking an urgent meeting with the Northland Regional Council to ask if it can take water from the Awanui River and the Waiotemarama Stream while flow levels are low.

It will let heavy water users know what their maximum daily water take is and turn water off if users exceed limits.

Restrictive devices will be used to reduce the flow of water to Kaitaia, Opononi and Omapere households.

"The message here is not to be alarmed if it takes longer to fill the washing machine," Mr Penny says.

"The same would apply to other appliances, such as dishwashers, but we want people to stop using them altogether anyway."

He urges people to make other savings where possible.

"We have to reduce the amount of water people are using right now.

"This is the only way we will get through this drought with enough water to maintain a supply to people’s homes."

A 50 percent reduction is achievable in reticulated supply areas where the average person uses more than 300 litres a day, compared with 140 litres per person in households with water tanks.

The council will take a tough stance on people who are still watering their gardens with a hose or home irrigation system in the affected communities.

Warranted enforcement staff will act on complaints from people who see others watering their gardens this way and will handle complaints anonymously.

"Fines of up to $20,000 can apply when there is a breach of a water supply bylaw, and we will prosecute if necessary," Mr Penny says.

Water saving tips are available on the council’s website at www.fndc.govt.nz

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