Mapua residents urged to conserve water

Ma¯pua residents are being urged to conserve water and report any leaks promptly, as the Tasman District Council struggles to keep up with demand in the seaside village.

Engineering services manager Richard Kirby said the water level in the Pomona Rd reservoir was depleting faster than it could be replenished, ‘‘and we are struggling to keep up with demand’’.

There hadn’t been any major breaks, and the pumps were working well, he said.

‘‘It’s probably down to demand – people are using a lot more water than they usually do,’’ Kirby said, acknowledging that the village was a popular destination for visitors. ‘‘With Nelson Anniversary Day and Waitangi Day approaching next week, we expect demand to increase.’’

The council on Wednesday introduced a second level of water restrictions for Ma¯pua and its rural restricted supplies, along with Ruby Bay, Best Island, and a small area of the Waimea Plains that is on the same supply.

Under the so-called Phase B restrictions, which are effective immediately, householders cannot water lawns, fill or top up swimming pools, or use water ‘‘for play’’. However, they can still water vegetable gardens and fruit trees with a hand-held hose, timer system or bucket. Watering ornamental gardens and trees is permitted every second day only, using a hand-held hose or timer system.

‘‘We ask all residents to be aware of the situation and do all they can to minimise their water usage wherever possible,’’ Kirby said.

Phase A restrictions remain in place for Richmond, Hope, Brightwater, Wakefield and Redwood Valley.

On part of the Waimea Plains, stage one restrictions remain, meaning a 20 per cent cut in use of consented water takes in the Upper Catchment, Reservoir, Waimea West, Delta, Golden Hills and Upper Confined Aquifer zones along with the Motupiko zone. From Monday, stage one restrictions will also apply to 21 permit holders in the Moutere Eastern Groundwater Zone.

Dry Weather Taskforce convener Dennis Bush-King said the group was due to meet again on Tuesday to assess the ‘‘developing situation’’ and make decisions on any changes to the restrictions or bringing in restrictions for other zones.

‘‘We expect demand to increase.’’ Richard Kirby, Tasman District Council