Water saved but critical

Water use in drought-stricken Kaitaia has fallen by 30 percent, but the Far North District Council is urging households and businesses to use even less water or risk running out.

Asset and infrastructure manager David Penny says it is great news that water consumption in the town has dropped from the normal 260 litres a person per day to 190 litres.

But he warns the town's water supply situation remains critical.

Mr Penny says the 2600 cubic metres of water the regional council is allowing the district council to take from the Awanui River daily isn't enough to meet the town's needs.

The council is using its reservoirs to supplement water flows and estimates they will be empty before next month if the situation continues.

"We continue to call on the community for further savings because the balance of supply and demand is on a knife edge."

Meantime, low water flows in streams that feed the council's Kawakawa, Moerewa and Rawene water schemes have forced restricted water usage in those towns, banning households and businesses connected to the schemes from:

Operating any commercial car and truck washing facilities

Using waterblasters, hose pipes or garden irrigation systems

Watering lawns and gardens, except with grey water

Washing cars, houses, decks and pathways with anything other than a bucket

Filling or topping up swimming and spa pools.

The council also urges those not connected to its schemes to conserve water.

Any water they buy from bulk water suppliers to refill empty tanks is likely to come from its schemes, putting added pressure on water supplies.

- © Fairfax NZ News