Low river levels halt water takes

FOUR Otago rivers are running at levels so low water permit holders have had to stop taking water amid the present dry conditions.

There are also several other rivers across the region where water levels are getting close to minimum flow levels, the Otago Regional Council says.

The council yesterday issued an appeal to both rural and urban water users to use water more efficiently as there are five more weeks of drier than normal conditions forecast.

Council compliance manager Tami Sargeant said rural water users should make sure there were no leaks in their water troughs or irrigation pipes, irrigate when it was cooler, and ensure the depth of water application was correct for the root zone of the crop.

The Waiwera River, Taieri River along the Maniototo section, Shag River and Waitahuna River had all reached low water levels where water takes had to stop.

There were also several rivers across Otago where water levels were getting close to minimum flows, or did not have regulated minimum flows, Mrs Sargeant said.

‘‘Along the Waiwera River, ORC staff have gone doortodoor to talk with farmers that may be taking [water] for stock drinking water, or under a permitted activity.’’

Council hydrologists were checking the accuracy of the flow sites.

Sites which were closer to minimum flows were being monitored more frequently.

Ecologists had also checked the Waiwera River, near Clinton, to determine if the river was being adversely affected. Those results were not yet in. Mrs Sargeant said the rivers running with low flows could affect freshwater ecosystems.

Waterfowl, invertebrates, native and sports fish — including their nurseries — and native plants could all be affected.

Low river flows and high temperatures would also increase the likelihood of toxic algae forming along riverbanks.

Toxic algae could be deadly to some animals.

At least three dogs are believed to have been killed by exposure to toxic algae in the South this year.