Hutt River low as the region continues to run dry
The Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River is at unseasonably low levels as the region heads into a period of dry weather that has Wellington Water again asking Wellingtonians to conserve water.
Earlier this week, Wellington Water was forced to shut down the Wainuiomata water treatment plant, due to the low river levels in Wainuiomata.
Wellington Water director of regulatory services Charles Barker said the low river levels weree a “timely reminder” of the continuing need for level two water restrictions, even though summer had ended.
“This goes to show how important it is that people are still conscious of their water use and following Level 2 water restrictions. That means no sprinklers or irrigation systems – just water your garden by hand.”
If the current low river levels had occurred in summer, it would have resulted in tougher water restrictions, he said.
“To continue supplying enough drinking water, we’re relying on the Waiwhetū Aquifer and using the storage lakes to supplement supply.”
The region needs steady rain over a prolonged period to raise water levels, he said.
Weather predictions suggest it could be some time until there is more rain.
Although the region is drying out, he said shorter days and lower temperatures had lowered the demand for water.
“This helps us manage supply and has enabled us to remain at Level 2 water restrictions.”
Greater Wellington chairperson Darren Ponter said the whole region is worryingly dry.
“We need a helluva lot of rain. We are very close to being in an official drought.”
On Tuesday, Niwa forecaster Ben Noll noted that five of the last six months have been drier than normal and the outlook for rain was not promising.
“The outlook over the next several weeks suggests that above normal rainfall is unlikely. While occasional fronts, such as the one later this week, will bring some passing rainfall, drier than normal conditions are most likely during the next month as a whole.”
Wellington and the Hutt Valley is not the only dry area in the lower North Island.
Earlier this month, Greater Wellington supported the move by Agriculture Minister Todd McClay to declare a drought in the Wairarapa.
A spokesperson for Greater Wellington said it is Niwa that advises the Government when a drought is declared.
Yesterday, Greater Wellington issued a “red alert” warning for toxic algae in the Waikanae River. Toxic algae, or cyanobacteria, is harmful to humans and lethal for dogs if ingested.
Greater Wellington senior adviser integration and insights Penny Fairbrother said detached algal mats are widespread at both sites, with the potential to harm dogs who enter the water.
“The warm autumn air and lack of rain has allowed toxic algae to regrow, forming mats at the river’s edge that can be very tempting to dogs.”
“We need a helluva lot of rain. We are very close to being in an official drought.”