Call to conserve water

South Hokianga residents were last week asked to conserve water as a precaution against expected shortages later in the summer.

Level 2 water restrictions took effect on Christmas Eve, later than in previous years thanks to significant rainfall early in the month.

The Far North District Council’s general manager — infrastructure and asset management, Andy Finch, asked residents to stop using automatic water sprinklers and non-hand-held hoses, and to be mindful of their overall water use.

“In recent summers we have had to introduce these restrictions at the beginning of December. Due to recent rainfall we have been able to delay them for more than three weeks, but I’m urging all South Hokianga residents connected to council water supplies to remember that waterways feeding our Opononi-Omapere and Rawene-Omanaia water schemes are very sensitive to drought,” he said.

Level 2 restrictions make it illegal for anyone connected to a council water supply to use automatic or unattended garden hoses, sprinklers and irrigation devices.

“We know that extra demands will be placed on Hokianga water supplies over summer, and we’ve seen some evidence of that starting already this year. Reducing water consumption now can delay, or avoid altogether, the need for more stringent restrictions later,” Mr Finch said, but work to improving was in hand.

Construction of a new $2.8 million water treatment plant for Rawene-Omanaia, including extra raw water storage facilities to reduce demand on the Petaka Stream during dry weather, would begin in January.

Residents could apply for an exemption from water restrictions, but they would be granted only in exceptional circumstances. Applicants would need to demonstrate significant hardship and have no practical alternative water source.

For more details, and/ or to apply for an exemption, go to www.fndc.govt.nz/ savewater; for more on restrictions around the district and tips on saving water go to www.bewaterwise.org.nz/

Water leaks or breaches of the restrictions should be reported to the council on 0800 920-029.