Water Crisis Media Release (4)

Release date: Thursday 9 January 2013

Gisborne water use reduced significantly

Gisborne people have heeded the ‘save water now’ message and reduced their water use significantly yesterday.

This is the outcome we were hoping for, says Mayor Meng Foon. “In a crisis situation Gisborne people pull together. Water use reduced by almost one third yesterday. There was even a small increase in the storage in our reservoirs. I would like to send a big thank you to all those who have supported the call to use less water.”

“However, we cannot be complacent. There is no quick fix. We must all keep up the good work. Our water consumption needs to come down further to 14,000 m/3 each day to avoid further restrictions. In the meantime it is critical people turn those taps off and don’t even think about using a hose.”

Meanwhile progress is being made repairing the broken pipe that has left Gisborne residents urgently needing to conserve water. Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon, Councillor Roger Haisman and key council staff visited the Waingake site yesterday (Wednesday 8 January) where the pipe broke early on Monday morning (6 January).

Mayor Meng Foon is pleased with the progress that is being made. “Staff and contractors are working day and night to get the water supply reinstated. We expect water to be flowing again in six to eight days.” 

The land around the pipe is being stabilised, says deputy chief executive Peter Higgs. “The broken pipe has been exposed. This required six metres of material - that was covering the pipe - to be removed.  Now we can start preparing the pipe for the welding. There doesn’t appear to be anything wrong with the pipe although samples are being sent away for testing.”

1.       There is a total fire ban in Gisborne city – no permits will be issued for any kind of fire.

2.       If you see anyone or any business using sprinklers of hoses, please contact Council. We will send someone around to speak with the water user.

3.       People can still use bore water to water their grounds and gardens. If you have a bore and you want to use it without getting hassled, signs are available from Council Customer services. “We are using bore water”

4.       As part of a continuing public education programme, signs were erected around the city advising residents to save water now.

5.       Please make sure your Gisborne friends, relatives and neighbours know that Gisborne is facing a water crisis and that we all need to drastically reduce water use now.

6.       The Olympic pool will be closing 2 hours early at 6pm each night until further notice.

7.       Please share your water savings tips with friends and family or on Council’s face book page or website.

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ENDS

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