22 Feb 2021

Water restrictions come in for parts of Tasman District

7:11 pm on 22 February 2021

Water restrictions have been re-introduced to parts of the Tasman District as dry weather returns.

Garden sprinkler use has been restricted, with more restrictions potentially on the cards for Gisborne residents.

Residents and public organisations on the Dovedale reticulated water supply can no longer water the lawns. Photo: 123rf

Motupiko, Rainy, Dove and the Eastern Moutere Groundwater zones are all affected by the restrictions.

Households in the Riuwaka and Little Sydney Stream areas are asked to use water for essential purposes only.

Dry Weather Taskforce Convenor Dennis Bush-King said more restrictions for other areas hadn't been ruled out.

"We're keeping a close eye on the Waimea and Upper Motueka Zones and restrictions may be needed soon. For now, we urge people to conserve water as much as possible in those areas," Bush-King said.

The Kainui Dam is around 84 percent full and has been releasing water into the Wai-iti River to buffer the river flows.

Bush-King said they hoped that would be sufficiently full to see the area through the irrigation season.

Consent holders in Moutere Eastern, Motupiko, Rainy, Dovedale Surface and Dovedale Groundwater need to cut their water usage by 20 percent.

Residents and public organisations on the Dovedale reticulated water supply can no longer water the lawns, fill or top up your pool/water feature or use water for play activities.

Gardens can only be watered using a handheld hose or timer system every second day - even numbered addresses water on even numbered days and likewise for odd numbers.

Recycled grey water can be used to wash cars and only essential outdoor washing can be done and only with a bucket.

Businesses on the same supply also cannot water their lawns, fill or top-up pools/water features or use water for play activities.

Flower gardens and trees can be watered every second day using a handheld hose or timer system.

Outdoor washing of cars, windows and outdoor areas is only allowed using a handheld hose, water blaster or bucket.

Any water leaks should be reported to the Tasman District Council.