Dannevirke: People asked to save water

The Niwa weather map showing the moisture-depleted soils of the district. Graphic / NIWA

The current hot, dry weather is causing rivers and streams in many parts of the Horizons region to run low, with farmers and other consent holders warned to be proactive about saving water as restrictions come into force.

Restrictions are now in place for the smaller streams of the Tararua district but parts of the Manawatu, Whanganui and Rangitikei catchments are also being monitored closely by Horizons Regional Council staff.

"While some rain is forecast for next week, it is important for consent holders to be mindful of their water use as we set in for what is expected to be a long, hot summer," said Horizons group manager strategy and regulation Nic Peet.

Maharahara dairy farmer and Councillor John Barrow is encouraging dairying farmers to stay in touch with Horizons to monitor their water takes and to be aware of any restrictions.

"Currently, the water management site isn't working," he said.

"It's certainly dry at the moment because we missed the usual Christmas/New Year rain we usually get. That rain will normally save us somewhat but, with some very hot days, pasture is dry."

Niwa's hot spot watch shows soils continue to be much drier than normal for this time of year for this district, with much of the region along and east of the Tararuas, southwest of Napier and northeast of Wellington, a hot spot as soils have been severely to extremely drier than normal for several weeks.

Horizons' regulations around water use allow for certain quantities of water to be taken out of rivers and streams when they are flowing above a minimum level. Once the rivers drop below that level, restrictions are put on the limit and in some cases stop water being taken.

Dr Peet said Horizons recognised that water takes providing people with clean, safe drinking water would need to continue even where rivers were below minimum flows.

"We are communicating with our district and city councils to ensure water is used efficiently and that appropriate restrictions are in place for urban use," he said.

"Water takes for stock water will need to continue as this is a significant welfare issue. Throughout the region, current compliance with low flow restrictions is excellent with no non-compliances issued over the past year."

-Horizons is monitoring river flows, see www.horizons.govt.nz.