More Level 4 restrictions on water use

The Far North District Council imposed Level 4¯water restrictions in Paihia-Opua-Waitangi and Kawakawa-Moerewa on Tuesday, restricting water use to drinking, cooking and washing only.

General manager infrastructure and asset management Andy Finch said the restrictions had been lifted to Level 4 because of falling water flows in the Waitangi River, which fed the Paihia-O¯ puaWaitangi supply, and in the Kawakawa-Moerewa water source. Levels in the Tirohanga Stream were the most serious, but the Northland Regional Council was permitting the continued taking of water for Kawakawa-Moerewa beyond consented limits on the condition that extra efforts were made to reduce consumption.

The Level 4 restriction limits water use to essential purposes only (drinking, cooking, showering and washing clothes). Outdoor use, such as watering gardens, washing vehicles or topping up private pools, is banned. Level 4 restrictions already applied in Kaikohe and Kaitaia.

Mr Finch said Tuesday’s move reflected just how critical the drought was becoming.

“We are aware water restrictions place a burden on households and businesses, but if we want to get through this drought without more significant interruption to water supplies we need everyone to immediately reduce water consumption by at least 25 per cent,” he said. He expected the restrictions to have a significant impact on the visitor industry, and invited businesses to contact the council if they had concerns about how they could reduce consumption.

“Businesses can apply for exemptions from the restrictions. However, we will only consider granting these if water is vital to business operations, and we see proof that steps are being taken to reduce water use,” he said.

Meanwhile Kawakawa and Moerewa residents had raised concerns about the number of bulk water tankers that were taking water from their supply.

“Many of our residents rely on rain for all their domestic water use, and KawakawaMoerewa is one of four council supplies where they can refill their tanks,” he said. “Currently our Kerikeri supply is meeting about a third of demand from bulk water carriers. KawakawaMoerewa is currently providing 24 per cent.”

The council was stepping up checks on unusual water use, warning anyone who repeatedly breached restrictions could be fined up to $20,000. Breaches could be reported to the council by phoning 0800 920-029 or via www.fndc.govt.nz/Contact