Level 4 water restrictions, emergency plans for Kaikohe

Level 4 water restrictions are now being applied in Kaikohe restricting residential water use to drinking, cooking and washing only.

The restrictions are the highest that can be imposed, and all outdoor water use is now banned. 

General Manager – Infrastructure and Asset Management, Andy Finch, says imposing Level 4 restrictions reflects just how critical the water situation now is for Kaikohe.

“We have already breached minimum water flow levels set by Northland Regional Council at the Wairoro Stream, our primary raw water source for Kaikohe. We have also reached limits for the Monument Hill aquifer. Without substantial rainfall over coming weeks, we face the very real prospect of Kaikohe’s water running out.”

He says the Council will ask the Regional Council to allow more groundwater to be taken from Monument Hill. However, this would only be a stop-gap measure as extra water taken now will increase the time needed for the aquifer to replenish over winter. This could lead to even more serious shortages next summer.

The Council is also implementing its contingency planning and has taken delivery of three, 30,000-litre water tanks to be used in Kaikohe. The tanks will initially be filled with water trucked in from Moerewa using a Fonterra milk tanker.

“These tanks will provide Kaikohe residents and businesses with water if we need to reduce water pressure or shut down the existing supply. If that happens, we will be asking residents to collect water from the emergency water tanks to use at home.”

Mr Finch says details of exactly how water will be distributed are still being worked through and residents will be informed once planning is completed. However, he says there is still an opportunity to avoid water lines if Kaikohe businesses and residents significantly reduce water consumption.

Simple water conservation measures include:

• Flushing less often
• Only washing clothes on a full load
• Turning off the tap while brushing teeth or washing hands
• Fixing leaking taps, toilets and other fittings.

The Council is offering to fix leaks on private properties and has had a good response to a $300 subsidy offer. It has also prioritised leak repairs and aims to repair all leaks within 48 hours.

Discussions with Ngawha Prison, one of Kaikohe’s biggest water users, have also been productive.  The prison is well progressed in plans to truck in its water from outside the district, reducing demand on the Council’s water supply.