Level 2 restrictions coming to Hokianga

Level 2 water restrictions, which ban the use of outdoor sprinklers or irrigation systems, are being applied to Ōmanaia-Rāwene and Ōpononi-Ōmāpere from Monday 29 December after a steady decline in river levels. At the same time, demand is increasing with the summer holiday season getting into full swing in the Hokianga.

Applying Level 2 water restrictions is key to reducing demand from households and businesses to preserve the health of these water supplies. Petaka Stream, the water source for both Rāwene and Ōmanaia, is very small and has limited water flow. In Ōpononi and Ōmāpere, the Waiotemarama Stream is also sensitive to fluctuations in rain fall. Recent rainfall has not been significant enough to stem the decline of the stream levels.

Northland Regional Council’s resource consent limits the amount of water the council can take each day. The Waiotemarama Stream is already flowing below the trigger level for Level 2 restrictions to be applied and the Petaka Stream is only two litres per second above its Level 2 trigger level.

While winter rains saw an increase in the water levels in most Far North rivers and streams, many water sources, such as Petaka and Waiotemarama Streams, have not sustained those gains. Predictions of a hot summer ahead, as well as the traditional influx of summer visitors, make the call to reduce demand now critical to avoid strict Level 4 restrictions being applied this summer in the Hokianga.

The council’s Water Shortage Management Committee is monitoring water levels daily and will continue to do so during the summer holiday break.

The Far North’s six other water supplies remain at Level 1 where no restrictions apply but consumers are encouraged to use water sensibly.

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Main photo - Waiotemarama Stream running at a low level