The Far North District Council last week imposed sprinkler bans in Kaitaia and Kerikeri, and strengthened existing restrictions in Kaikohe, in response to high levels of water consumption across the district's eight reticulated water schemes, and Niwa predictions that dry weather will continue well into this month.
Level 2 restrictions, prohibiting the use of automatic or unattended garden hoses, sprinklers and irrigation devices, took effect in Kaitaia and Kerikeri on Tuesday, while Level 2 restrictions already in place in Kaikohe were lifted of Level 3, meaning only buckets may be used to water gardens and wash buildings, cars or boats.
Filling private swimming pools from council water supplies is completely banned.
General manager — infrastructure and asset management Andy Finch said that despite showers over the past few days bringing some relief to parts of the Far North, the need to conserve water remained urgent across the district.
"Our Kerikeri and Kaitaia water treatment plants are working at maximum capacity to keep up with demand, and recent rain has had little impact on consumption. We are asking all residents to take steps to reduce consumption now," he said.
"The situation in Kaikohe is particularly serious. The recent rain will have no immediate impact on the Monument Hill water bore, which is dangerously low, and will not substantially increase flow rates in our primary water source, the Wairoro Stream."
