Gauging water supply ahead of a hot summer

According to weather experts’ predictions it looks like there could be a dry summer ahead. In the Far North this may mean that water restrictions are possible in the coming months. The council applies restrictions to our water supplies to protect our water sources – rivers, streams, and aquifers – to ensure continued water supply during extended periods of dry weather.

The council will ask local retailers across the district to display our shopfront signs of the water glass images to keep the public informed about current water restriction levels for each town. These are the same signs that have featured in previous years. Water levels in the glass indicate which of the four water restriction levels is currently in place. A full glass means we’re okay. An empty glass means we need to conserve water immediately.

The four levels

• Level 1 (a full glass): There are no water restrictions but please use water sensibly.
• Level 2: You cannot use outdoor sprinklers.
• Level 3: You cannot use any outdoor sprinklers or hoses.
• Level 4 (an empty glass): Essential water use only – cleaning, cooking and washing. There is no outdoor water use from council supplies.

Water restriction signage helps communities in each town know when saving water is critical. In past years, water restrictions have helped communities achieve up to 25 per cent savings in water use and have been key to averting serious water shortages.

Similar water restriction systems have been applied in Whangārei and Kaipara districts in the past, as well as in the Far North.

Managing water

The council gathers a group of water experts together, from FNDC and Far North Waters Alliance, to make these decisions about our water supplies when droughts look likely.

The Water Shortage Management Committee meets to discuss the health of our water sources, river flow levels, weather forecasting, and to gauge what the demand for water will likely be over the summer months.

The committee makes recommendations based on the latest data from our water sources, and considers the consenting levels set by the Northland Regional Council. The committee will make the best decisions about protecting our water supplies based on the information they have, but we do need your help.

Please keep an eye out when visiting your local supermarket, petrol station or other outlets for signs displaying the water restriction levels. If these signs are out, it could mean that water restrictions are ahead (if at Level 1) or are already in place at Level 2 or higher. Help us save water to ensure our water supply is available for everyone.

To check exactly what you can do at each restriction level, visit our Water supply restriction levels webpage. Scroll down to the 'Restriction guidelines' drop down menu for an easy-to-follow guide.

Far North Waters Alliance is a collaboration between Far North District Council and Ventia for the operation, maintenance and minor capital works of the council’s three waters assets (drinking, waste and urban reticulation stormwater).