Restrictions to remain for five Far North water sources

Level 2 water restrictions applied to four council water supplies on Monday (19 February) as a precautionary measure to reduce demand and protect our water sources, will remain for the time being.

The ban on outdoor sprinklers and irrigation systems affects Kerikeri-Waipapa, Kaikohe-Ngāwhā, Paihia-Ōpua-Waitangi and Ōpononi-Ōmāpere. The same restrictions were applied to Ōmanaia-Rāwene last month and also remain unchanged, bringing the total number of water supplies at Level 2 restrictions to five in the Far North.

Ōkaihau, Kaitāia and Kawakawa-Moerewa water supplies will stay at Level 1 (no restrictions), but customers are asked to always use water sensibly.

The council’s Water Shortage Management Committee (WSMC) decided this week that all eight Far North water sources will remain at their current water restriction levels. The committee continues to monitor the health of water sources and water demand. It will meet again next week to reassess restriction levels and our communities will be updated if there are any further changes.  

Current water restrictions are a response to high summer temperatures in the Far North, a lack substantial rainfall in the forecast, and several council-operated water treatment plants operating round-the-clock to meet high water consumption.

Large Save Water Now signs have now been installed in key locations around Kerikeri, Kaikohe and Paihia to highlight the change in water restriction levels. Billboards at Ōpononi and Ōmāpere, displaying the Be Water Wise water glass image, have also been changed to raise awareness about Level 2 water restrictions in that area.

You can stay up to date with current water restriction levels by checking our webpage and bewaterwise.org.nz.