Summer water shortages unlikely

Wairarapa's councils are not anticipating water shortages this summer, despite a dry forecast for the region.

Carterton District Council operations manager Garry Baker said the council has not had to put water restrictions in place for the past four years.

"We haven't had to for the last few years because of metering and more water storage, and the seasons," Mr Baker said.

The council would monitor water levels but at this stage felt restrictions were unlikely, he said.

Masterton District Council spokesman Sam Rossiter-Stead said summer water restrictions were in place every year, regardless of water levels.

From today until the end of March, Masterton and Tauera water users will only be allowed to use sprinklers on alternate days - even-numbered houses on even-numbered days and vice versa.

South Wairarapa District Council infrastructure and services manager Mark Allingham said although the council has year-round water restrictions, it was not anticipating water shortages.

"It's good environmental practice and having everyone used to doing it for a period of time is getting into good habits," he said.

Since water metering was introduced in 2007 water use had been reducing, leak detection had further helped the savings and a couple of wet seasons meant water levels were healthy.

In South Wairarapa hoses, sprinklers and irrigation will be allowed on alternate days - for even numbered properties on event numbered days, and odd numbered properties on odd numbered days.