Water restrictions have tightened in Wairarapa, but relief and rainclouds are on the horizon.
Photo: 123RF
Residents of Featherston and Greytown have been urged not to use town water supply for gardening.
More than 4500 users of the towns' interlinked supplies were alerted to the ban by email and social media on Sunday night.
The move follows restrictions across the South Wairarapa, Carterton, and Masterton districts earlier in the summer.
Wellington Water manages water infrastructure in the towns on behalf of South Wairarapa District Council.
Laurence Edwards of Wellington Water said high demand and low river levels resulted in "cloudy" water for household supplies.
"So we are asking for the community to help by limiting water use as much as possible and by bringing in a total outdoor water use ban until further notice.
"These measures have been taken to ensure that there is enough clean, clear, and safe drinking water for the community."
Unlike South Wairarapa, Carterton and Masterton council staff and contractors manage their district supplies.
Masterton council staff are monitoring water levels in the Waingawa river, which feeds the town supply.
The Waingawa makes up Masterton's southern border with Carterton, where, in January, the district council [CDC] urged urban residents to limit hosepipe use.
Water use in the district has fallen since, and harsher restrictions are unlikely at this stage.
With autumn beginning today, the change of seasons may bring some respite.
Rain or showers will affect all parts of the country this week.
MetService meteorologist April Clark said an active cold front forecast to track north is the forerunner to several more, which will bring cooler temperatures.
"Putting it simply, the shortening days will not be the reason it may feel like summer has ended come Sunday."
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