7 Nov 2011

Cook Islands' main atoll continues to suffer water shortages

2:48 pm on 7 November 2011

The main island in the Cook Islands, Rarotonga, continues to suffer water shortages with catchments at critical levels, despite some rain last week.

In Avatiu water levels at the town's intake are just 17 percent of the optimum.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Planning's water works director Adrian Teotahi says Rarotonga will move to stage 1 of the government's critical assessment if all intakes on the island fall below 30 percent.

Officials are expected to meet as soon as possible to discuss what restrictions are needed.

In the meantime Mr Teotahi says people must step up efforts to conserve water.