Water and fire restrictions imminent, council warns

Tararua’s rapidly dropping river levels are prompting a council warning about water usage.


Utilities manager Dave Watson has a blunt message.


“Basically we’re running out of water.” River levels are depleting due to the hot and dry conditions.


Woodville is already down to 15 litres per second due to low river flows. This is part of our Resource Consent conditions at times of low flow.


But Pahiatua, Eketahuna and Dannevirke will soon be in similar trouble if the dry spell continues and no rain arrives to replenish the rivers before the summer really kicks in, Mr Watson warns.


Meanwhile he is urging domestic conservation measures to begin immediately – starting with fundamentals like filling the dishwasher before turning it on, fixing leaky taps and cisterns and hose connections etc.


Messages are to avoid watering in the heat of the day, not to “drown” plants by over watering and the careful placement of sprinklers.


Tararua’s rapidly drying situation is reflected elsewhere in the country as water restrictions and fire bans are already being imposed weeks earlier than usual.


East coast councils from Gisborne south to Wairarapa are watching fire conditions carefully, with Wairoa already in a restricted fire season.


Central Hawke’s Bay has moved to alternate days for hosing.