New water restrictions

New rules will apply next time water restrictions are imposed in Gore.

At a meeting of the Gore District Council’s Emergency Committee yesterday, a new set of restrictions for commercial, industrial and residential water users was passed.

The committee, consisting of councillors Cliff Bolger, Peter Grant and Neville Phillips, voted to amend the Water Bylaw 2015 to implement the proposed restrictions.

Regulatory and Planning general manager Dr Ian Davidson-Watts told the committee that at this time there was no need for water restrictions in Gore, as rainfall in the last week meant the town was ‘‘holding it’s own’’.

‘‘We’re certainly in better shape than we were this time last year.’’

Cr Bolger said the restrictions would give Gore ‘‘more resilience in it’s water supply’’, and he complimented council staff on a job well done.

The former restrictions were in three stages, compared to the new five staged approach which involves graduated steps in restrictions applying first to activities that impact little to lifestyle and needs. Four tables are now proposed, applying to residential use, commercial and industrial activities, schools and sports clubs and Gore District Council activities.

The watering of home produce gardens supplying food to the household, and the use of small paddling pools, although subject to conditions, were expected to be permitted almost all of the time, only being restricted at Level 5, which is for essential use.

The council says the importance of these activities to residents is acknowledged for a range of health, social and economic reasons.

The change follows a consultation period in 2018, where 53 submissions were received. Thirty-six submissions were in favour of the proposed amendments and 12 submitters did not feel the amendments were necessary, or they considered that water restrictions should not be used at all.

Five submitters did not know or they did not answer the question. Two submissions were presented at a hearing held on December 12, with councillors Ralph Beale, Glenys Dickson and Doug Grant on the hearing panel.

The council has established a Water Taskforce to develop strategies to better position the Gore district and its residents from the effects of climate change and demand for water.