Ōponōni – Ōmapere residents step up to protect water supplies

Residents in the Ōpononi–Ōmāpere are being thanked for their efforts to save water after two storage reservoirs supplying the communities almost drained due to burst water mains.

On Saturday, the council put out an urgent call for residents to conserve water while a major break in the raw water main was repaired. It was the second beak to occur in as many days on the line, both of which were likely caused by ground movement following recent wet weather. The line supplies raw water to the treatment plant meaning the plant could not pump treated water up to the two storage reservoirs that feed the communities.

Following the 10am call to conserve water, both communities responded quickly, significantly reducing their consumption and preventing the reservoirs from being completely drained. The line was repaired by 1pm that same day and both reservoirs are now being refilled, a process that will take a couple of days.

While the Far North experienced heavy rainfall last week, the local water supply system is limited in how much of that rain can be captured and stored. Much of the rainfall runs quickly through catchments and out to sea rather than replenishing water sources used for drinking water.

As a result, residents connected to the Ōpononi–Ōmāpere and neighbouring Ōmanaia–Rāwene supplies remain on Level 2 water restrictions banning the use of outdoor sprinklers and irrigation systems. Level 2 restrictions also remain in place for Kerikeri and Waipapa, although these do not apply to the privately-owned Kerikeri Irrigation Company supply.

Sustained warm temperatures are forecast over the coming days, and water demand is expected to increase with a large number of visitors travelling to the district for the Waitangi Day long weekend. Continued water conservation is needed to manage demand and protect supplies during this busy period.

Elsewhere in the district, supplies in Kaitāia, Kaikohe, Kawakawa–Moerewa and Ōkaihau remain at Level 1. No restrictions apply, but customers are encouraged to use water sensibly.

Water supplies across the district will continue to be closely monitored, and further updates will be provided if conditions change. Thank you to everyone for doing their part to look after this precious resource.