Conserving water essential

Time to conserve water

The dry summer is starting to take its toll on Far North water supplies with South Hokianga the first area to feel the effects of water restrictions.

Businesses and households connected to the Opononi-Omapere and Rawene water supplies are banned from using sprinklers and other irrigation systems, or topping up swimming pools.

Hoses may still be used but only if hand-held. The restrictions will remain in place until further notice.

Far North District Council infrastructure manager Jacqui Robson said a wet December meant most water sources were in better shape this summer than at the same time last year but a combination of hot, dry weather and high demand was now straining supplies in some areas.

Restrictions in other areas may follow if the dry weather continues so the council is urging people in all areas to conserve water. Many water-saving methods require only minimal effort, such as placing a bucket in the shower and using the water collected for the garden.

"That's water that will otherwise go straight down the drain," Ms Robson said.

Watering gardens was best left until the evening when it would have maximum effect, car washing should be delayed, and washers on dripping taps should be replaced.

"If everyone makes an effort, we can protect our water supplies and ensure we can get through the current situation with minimal inconvenience," Ms Robson said.

South Hokianga was the worst-hit area in last summer's big dry. Its two water schemes depend on drought-sensitive sources, the Petaka Stream in Rawene and the Waiotemarama Stream in Opononi-Omapere.

The council has been investigating alternative supplies and the long-term plan includes several of proposals.

The dry weather has already seen fire restrictions put in place across the whole of Northland.