Low River Flows Require Water Restrictions to Be Re-Introduced for Entire Ruapehu District

The on-going dry weather has Ruapehu river systems at very low levels requiring water restrictions to be re-introduced for the entire district.

Ruapehu District Council (RDC) has re-enacted a sprinkler ban on all Council operated water supplies including Waiouru, Raetihi, Ohakune, Owhango, Ohura, National Park and Taumarunui effective immediately.

RDC Environmental Manager, Anne-Marie Westcott, said that Ruapehu river levels are very low and a substantial amount of rain is required.

“The small amount of rain that we have had over the recent past has not been anywhere near enough to make any sort of difference to the situation,” she said.

“When we get rain the river flow levels peak and then quickly drop back to well below the minimum flow level at which automatic water restrictions come into effect.”

“This shows that ground water and aquifer levels are very low and under a lot of pressure.”

Ms Westcott said that all residents are asked to check on water use across their property and to ensure that there are no leaks in their water systems.”

“Garden watering if absolutely necessary should only be done with a hand held hose either in the evening or early morning.

“It is vital that everyone does all they can to conserve water now to help prevent more drastic water restrictions being implemented if the hot, dry weather continues,” she said.

“Council has a number of tips on how people can save water that can be seen on our website www.ruapehudc.govt.nz .”

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