Westport water reserves double, but still in 'danger zone'

Buller District Council utilities engineer Ian Forsyth stands in the middle of their biggest reservoir earlier this week. Picture / Simon Baker

Westport's water reserves have doubled, but pressure remains low and residents are still being urged to conserve supplies.

Reservoir levels have risen 200mm since yesterday, after slight overnight rain and with three pumps working to fill the town's three reservoirs from Giles Creek.

Buller District Council chief excutive Gary Murphy said today water shutdowns were now less likely, but Westport faced several more days on low pressure water.

"Based on current pumping, consumption and rainfall projection, it is estimated that we will need to maintain low pressure for at least another five days," Mr Murphy said.

"After this period full pressure may be restored but restrictions will remain in force until the reservoirs recover."

People should continue to save water, he said.

"We are not yet out of the danger zone."

Supply remained on low pressure 24 hours a day and consumption remained steady.

The council was continuing to run three pumps from Giles Creek, which supplies the reservoirs. The pumps were delivering about 5000 cubic metres of water a day -- Westport's average daily usage, Mr Murphy said.

Overnight rainfall amounted to only 5mm.

"The overnight rain was welcome, but was not enough to substantially alter reservoir levels," Mr Murphy said.

Between 30-50mm of rain would be required to make a substantial difference.

Fine weather is predicted over the next few days, with some rain forecast next week.

- NZPA