4 February 2005

Rural residents advised to conserve water and consider ordering tanker supplies

With little rain falling over the past three weeks, there is likely to be a shortfall soon in water supplies among rural communities dependent on their rain water tanks. Residents in areas such as Maraetai and Beachlands are being urged to take action to deal with that likelihood.

"We do not wish to have a repeat of the crisis last year," says Raveen Jaduram, General Manager of Manukau Water, a Business Unit of Manukau City Council. "We had to organise emergency water tankers at short notice to provide water to houses that had either run out of, or were very low on, water.

"There is limited capacity for tank water suppliers to meet a sudden rush in demand across the region. There will be long delays in delivery unless these are pre-arranged and I urge local residents to make plans accordingly.."

Mr Jaduram suggests that each home owner evaluates their need and ensures that their tank capacity is able to meet their needs. "It is necessary to conserve water during the summer and the rural community is very prudent with water use and value this essential commodity." says Mr Jaduram.

In Beachlands, Maraetai, Clevedon and other rural areas, the responsibility for water supply is with the homeowners, who are mainly dependent on rainwater collected from roofs and on tankered water during drier periods.

As it did last year, Manukau Water will arrange for a water supply tank to be located at the Beachlands Fire Station for small volumes of water to be taken by residents who find themselves in desperate need.

ENDS

© Scoop Media