Kerikeri urged to conserve water for 24 hours

Kerikeri households and businesses are being asked to reduce water use over the next 24 hours to help the water treatment plant recharge the town’s water storage reservoir.

The reservoir was seriously depleted over night by a water main leak at Mill Lane. This impacted Cobham Road, Hobson Ave, Hone Heke Road, and parts of Kerikeri Road and forced the temporary closure of Procter Library and the council’s service centre at the John Butler Centre. The water main has now been repaired but many users will continue to experience low water pressure until reservoir levels are restored.

That may take longer than normal due increased levels of silt in Puketotara Stream caused by ongoing heavy rainfall. Increased levels of silt significantly increase the time required to treat water to New Zealand drinking water standards. As a result, the council is requesting that all households and businesses connected to the Kerikeri supply reduce consumption for the next 24 hours.

Taking shorter showers, deferring clothes and dish washing, and flushing only when necessary are effective ways to reduce water consumption.