Level 4 water restrictions for Kaitaia

Level 4 water restrictions are being applied in Kaitaia from today, restricting water use to drinking, cooking and washing only.  The restrictions are the highest that can be imposed.  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 Kaitaia. 

“The Awanui River is the main source of drinking water for Kaitaia. Water flows in this waterway have fallen rapidly and to help reduce demand the Council applied Level 3 water restrictions to Kaitaia in January.  Unfortunately, flows have continued to drop and the Council has breached low-flow limits set by Northland Regional Council.  We must now apply Level 4 water restrictions to all Kaitaia businesses and households connected to Council water supplies.”

Level 4 restrictions mean water is for essential use only and can only be used for drinking, cooking and washing.

“We need several weeks of sustained rain to replenish our streams and rivers – not just a few heavy showers. However, MetService is predicting little chance of rain in coming weeks and no significant falls likely until May or even later. If correct, we face a very real prospect of taps running dry in Kaitaia – possibly within weeks. We are investigating alternative water sources and testing our contingency plans. These include the provision of emergency water supplies to residents at selected locations within Kaitaia.”

To help avoid this scenario, the Council is asking everyone in the Far North to reduce water consumption by 25 per cent.  The 25 per cent reduction plea includes people on rain water supplies.  “With no significant rain forecast, we know many water tanks will soon run dry. Town supplies are often used to refill private water tanks, placing an extra burden on our already stretched resources.”

Simple water conservation measures include:

·       Flushing toilets 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 encourages people who see breaches to water restrictions to report them by calling 0800 920 029.  The Council is also stepping up checks when unusual water use is detected. Anyone who repeatedly flouts water restrictions can be fined up to $20,000.

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