21 November 2011

Water restrictions for Akaroa

Akaroa residents will be asked to conserve water next month as the Christchurch City Council prepares for summer water shortages.

Level one restrictions are due to start on Saturday, 10 December meaning people with odd-numbered street addresses can water their gardens on odd-numbered days, and those with even-numbered street addresses can water on even-numbered days.

Council City Environment General Manager Jane Parfitt says the Council is asking Akaroa residents to start conserving water now because of the risk of water shortages in the area over summer.

“Most water supplies in Akaroa are fed by streams, which are usually at their lowest when summer demand peaks,” she says.

“More and more Cantabrians are choosing to spend their time in Akaroa over summer. For example, during the holiday season the town’s population of about 600 can jump to 3200 which means pressure on the town’s water supply dramatically increases. For this reason, we need to prepare now.”

Mayor Bob Parker says the restrictions will come as no surprise for residents, especially for the Akaroa community, but summer holiday-makers will need to be vigilant.

“Water restrictions occur every year in Akaroa so the process of limiting outdoor water use is nothing new for residents. However, we hope that when the holiday season starts everyone staying in the area will respect the restrictions and make a conscious effort to conserve water where possible.”

Mrs Parfitt says that as with previous years, it is possible that the level of restriction* will need to be increased at some stage during the summer season. The Council is monitoring water levels on Banks Peninsula and any changes to the water restrictions will be advertised on signage in Akaroa.

Next year, the Council plans to combine Banks Peninsula water restrictions with those currently in place for Christchurch. This will ensure restriction rules are consistent across the entire Canterbury region.

*Level two means hand-held outdoor watering only, Level three means alternate day hand-held outdoor watering only and Level four is a total outdoor hosing and irrigation ban.

ENDS

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