Christchurch City Council media release: Water restrictions on Banks Peninsula

To: Chief Reporter

From: Jessica Maddock, Communications Unit

Date: 3 December 2008

Water restrictions on Banks Peninsula

Water restrictions have come into force earlier than usual in Akaroa and Takamatua this year, as weather forecasters predict little rain in Canterbury before February

Level one restrictions were imposed on Monday 8 December, meaning people with odd-numbered street addresses can water their gardens on odd-numbered days of the month, and those with even-numbered street addresses can water on even-numbered days.

Christchurch City Council Technical Services Team Leader Gareth Phillips says water restrictions are not usually needed in Akaroa until late December but the streams that feed the town's water supply are already dropping, despite the wet winter.

"As a result, we've also had to impose water restrictions in Takamatua this year, and we ask Banks Peninsula residents in general to conserve water.

"Washing cars and boats, and irrigating gardens can put a huge strain on the water supply."

Most water supplies in Banks Peninsula communities are fed by streams, which are usually at their lowest when summer demand peaks. Akaroa's population of 600 jumps to 3200 during the holiday season, while Takamatua's population of 70 rises to 200.

Mr Phillips says it is possible the level of restriction will need to be increased at some stage during summer, and any change will be advertised on the water restriction signs in Akaroa, or people can call 0800 800 169 for information.

Level two means hand-held garden watering only, and level three bans all watering.

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