The tap is running dry with our water

We’re in hot water with the environment. We all know the outlook is bleak, something NZME science reporter Jamie Morton is driving home stronger than ever this week.

As Morton pointed out, the bestcase scenario is global warming stops somewhere between 2050 and 2070.

The worst case is that, by 2100, New Zealand temperatures end up more than 3C above present — and sea levels rise 1m or even higher.

Elsewhere, scientists are keeping an eagle eye over unusually warm coastal waters around the North Island’s east coast.

Water levels in New Zealand’s hydro catchments fell to 65 per cent of the average for this time of year, according to network operator Transpower. If the climate change outlook continues on the same trajectory, we’ll face more heatwaves, floods, and droughts.

That last weather extreme really has me on edge and I think the biggest issue will be water.

Droughts affect everyone: farmers, people who want to keep their car and home clean, green fingers, and backyard cricket enthusiasts.

Just last week, Tauranga City Council announced record low flow in the streams that supply the city’s drinking water meant restrictions that only allow hand-watering in cooler hours would remain in place. The council said it was unprecedented to have restrictions in April.

In January, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council issued a water warning for Rotorua over record low stream flows.

Auckland’s dam levels remain dismally low at just 51.1 per cent compared to the historic average of 77.3 per cent.

It comes after a dry summer for much of the country, especially in the Bay of Plenty. Niwa revealed temperatures were above average in the region over summer and they are set to remain near or aboveaverage between April and June.

Rainfall is expected to be near normal or above normal over autumn and into winter. We need to make the most of this small opportunity to conserve and be smart with water.

That could involve setting up a rainfall storage system on your property to water the garden without using the tap. Only running dishwashers and washing machines when we have a full load can save water. People should have shorter showers too.

Mowing the lawn higher than normal can help too by leaving more shade to help with water retention and create deeper roots for healthier grass. Green fingers should water early or in the evening so water doesn’t evaporate.

Use a watering can in the garden, and a bucket and sponge to clean the car because running a hose can waste hundreds of litres.

We don’t want to end up like Auckland — be smart with your water.