Rural water restrictions introduced

Media release: Thursday 11 December 2014

Despite yesterday’s rain, Nelson City Council has been forced to impose water shortage directions under Section 329 of the Resource Management Act 1991, for those taking water directly from streams and wells in the following catchment areas:

• Whangamoa River and tributaries

• Wakapuaka River

• Teal River

• Oldham Creek

• Todd Valley Stream

• Hillwood Creek

• Poorman Valley Stream

• Lud River

Residents are required to stop using water from these rivers and streams for non-essential purposes. This includes water for crop irrigation, garden watering, washing cars, houses, or driveways.

Water may only be used for fire fighting, drinking, watering stock and domestic washing.

Council is asking for full co-operation from residents in the hope that further restrictions affecting domestic supply won’t be needed. It will review the current restrictions on Monday 15 December. Unless there is significant rain, Council may need to extend restrictions to other catchments and further restrict domestic water takes in the worst affected areas.

Council recommends that those people drawing domestic water from catchments subject to these water shortage directions arrange an alternative source of domestic water (for example from storage tanks) in case further restrictions on domestic supply become necessary.

These restrictions affect only those Nelson residents who take their water directly from the above rivers and streams and their adjoining wells. Affected residents and water permit holders have been advised of the restrictions by mail.

Water restrictions for those on the council reticulated supply have not yet been introduced. The trigger point for urban restrictions is being closely monitored as water levels in the Maitai Dam, Maitai and Roding Rivers are low. All residents are encouraged to conserve water as much as possible.

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