Kerikeri-Waipapa eases back to Level 1 water restrictions

Water restrictions in the Kerikeri-Waipapa area will ease to Level 1 from Monday 23 February, following several days of rainfall and a strong community response to pleas to conserve water.

Recent heavy rain has boosted water flows for all water sources across the district and at the same time consumption has fallen, easing pressure on water treatment plants. The wet weather has also helped those on tank water supplies, reducing demand from commercial tankers which refill private water tanks using town supplies.

Under Level 1, customers should use water sensibly but can use outdoor sprinklers and hoses.

Level 2 water restrictions will remain in place for Ōpononi-Ōmāpere and Ōmanaia-Rāwene for the time being. While water sources feeding these supplies are currently recording healthy flows, past experience show that levels in the Petaka Stream, which supplies Ōmanaia-Rāwene, will fall quickly again during dry weather. The Waiotemarama Stream, which is the primary water source for Ōpononi-Ōmāpere, is also very vulnerable to dry weather. Keeping water restrictions in place will help to ensure these supplies remain secure.

In other parts of the district, supplies in Kaitāia, Kaikohe, Kawakawa–Moerewa and Ōkaihau remain at Level 1.

Water supplies across the district will continue to be closely monitored, and updates will be provided when conditions change.

All Far North residents and visitors are urged to use water sensibly and continue reporting any water leaks by calling 0800 920 029.