Banks Peninsula water restrictions escalate

Dry weather has forced the level of water restrictions in Akaroa and Takamatua to be escalated.

Christchurch City Council Technical Services Team Leader Gareth Phillips says level two restrictions will be imposed from Friday 23 January 2009.

“This means people in Akaroa and Takamatua can only water their gardens using hand-held means, such as a watering can or a hose.

“We also recommend people water their gardens at night to avoid evaporation.”

Level one restrictions were introduced in the towns on December 8 2008, about a fortnight earlier than usual.

Akaroa and Takamatua’s water supplies are stream-fed and therefore subject to annual restrictions during the drier months, which coincide with high demand from holidaymakers. Akaroa’s population of 600 leaps to 3200 during the summer holiday season, and Takamatua’s population of 70 rises to 200.

Mr Phillips says a dry start to 2009 is forecast and it is possible water restrictions in Akaroa and Takamatua will have to be increased again. Level three restrictions mean hand-held watering on alternate days only. Changes to the restriction level are advertised on the sign at the entrance to Akaroa and beside the Council’s Akaroa Service Centre.

Water restrictions are not necessary in Christchurch at this stage, although people are asked to conserve water as much as possible.

The city’s water usage can be monitored on the Council’s website homepage: www.ccc.govt.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media