Sprinkler restrictions lifted in Gisborne city

Plenty of water in the Mangapoike dams and reasonable levels of water use has meant that Gisborne District Council is lifting the current sprinkler restrictions. For the last three weeks sprinkler use has been restricted to Monday, Wednesday and Friday between six and eight pm.

Residents will now be able to use sprinklers at other times, says deputy chief executive Peter Higgs. “We ask people to continue to use sprinklers responsibly; early morning or evenings every couple of days is ideal. And please don’t leave them on overnight.”

“Processing the district’s horticultural produce is still in full swing. Processing industries are some of our biggest water users. A lot of water is being used at the moment but not more than the city’s water reticulation system can handle.”

“Water is a valuable resource and Gisborne people showed that they know how to use water conservatively. It would be good to see some of the habits formed during last month’s water crisis continued.”

A total hose and sprinkler ban was put in place after the main water pipe from the Mangapoike Dam into the Gisborne water treatment plant was knocked out on by a land slide on 6 January.

“Gisborne people responded generously to Council’s request to save water. To keep water flowing into their taps Gisborne people needed to use one third less water than they would normally do in summer. That target was exceeded five days in a row. This made the job of Council contractors so much easier. Thank you. Once the pipe was repaired level two restrictions were put in place, it is these restrictions that have now been lifted.”

Signs that were erected throughout the city advising of the water restrictions have now been removed.

ENDS

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