Emergency law opens tap on Waikato water
Watercare can take extra 15m litres a day from river
Watercare has invoked emergency power to take an extra 15 million litres of water a day from the Waikato River to help battle Auckland’s ongoing water crisis. The dams feeding New Zealand’s biggest city are only 44.1 per cent full, compared with an average of almost 78 per cent at this time of year.
Watercare invoked emergency powers under section 330 of the Resource Management Act (RMA) to allow it to take the extra 15 million litres of water.
Yesterday Auckland mayor Phil Goff warned that the water crisis could get so dire the public could be forced to line up for water at hydrants.
The shortage of water in Auckland’s dams is due to a significant lack of rain. The region has recorded less than half of its normal rainfall since November last year.
The use of emergency powers under the RMA highlighted the urgency of the situation, Goff said. “This will increase immediate total production from the river to 165 million litres a day and reduce demand on the region’s drought-hit dams,” he said.
“If we do not get enough rain in winter and spring, Auckland will face a crisis in water supply this summer, with a drastic impact on households and industry.
“I have instructed Watercare to seek supply from every available water source to head off a potential emergency.”
If we do not get enough rain in winter and spring, Auckland will face a crisis in water supply this summer, with a drastic impact on households and industry.
Phil Goff, mayor of Auckland
Watercare’s current resource consents allow it to treat up to 150 million litres of water a day year-round.
That number increases to 175 million litres between May 1 and October 30 when the river is above median flows, which it has not been since October last year.
Before invoking the RMA powers, Watercare initiated discussions with five iwi, nine marae and the Waikato Regional Council.
On May 16, the Auckland Council implemented water restrictions across the city for the first time since 1994.
Watercare chief executive Raveen Jaduram said it would use the emergency powers only on a temporary basis.
“We are negotiating positively with Hamilton City Council to use 25 million litres a day of the council’s water allocation on a temporary basis,” he said.
“This allocation is consented but not required by the council at this time.
“We are pleased with the discussions at this stage in the process but are continuing to look at all possible options.”