Coast water crisis eases but not over
"Both tank and bore water will be untreated and will require boiling." Council statement
Westport’s water levels have steadily increased, but residents are still to stick to essential water use only conditions.
Residents in the hub of the Buller region on the West Coast have been on strict water restrictions since council announced it was facing a water crisis a fortnight ago.
The reservoirs were at 68 per cent, about 12 days of water if the pumps stop working, yesterday.
Water levels in the reservoirs ranged between 45 to 50 per cent during the first week of the strict conditions.
Residents using the Westport and Carters Beach supply have complied with the Buller District Council’s requests to limit water use as consumption has dropped.
On Friday, 5.35 megalitres was used over 24 hours to the past day’s use of 4.97ML.
Supply has been constant with levels topping nine megalitres over the past three days.
The town has been plagued with water supply issues since a major collapse in its longest supply tunnel in 2014.
Four 30,000-litre emergency tanks arrived on Wednesday and council has begun installing the storage tanks in the Bathurst coal-storage shed at the wharf.
The council said the size and locations of the smaller distribution tanks would be finalised after meetings with community sectors were completed next week.
‘‘We are progressing town bore water options to complement the tank supply. Both tank and bore water will be untreated and will require boiling before consumption,’’ a council statement said.
‘‘We appreciate everyone’s efforts in reducing water consumption and reporting any leaks. Please remember that essential use restrictions still apply until further notice.’’
Industry and agricultural sectors will meet with council on Monday at 10am. Retail, tourism, hospitality and small business owners will meet the following day at 2pm.
MetService New Zealand’s forecast is for a dry Friday, before rain surges up the West Coast from Saturday afternoon through to Monday.