Water shortage a concern

Manukau Mayor Len Brown says reports that the Auckland region could be facing a water shortage are a concern.

"Following the 1994 drought, we were told the pipeline from the Waikato River would solve future water issues. While it’s too early to say we will run into problems of the scale of 1994, it is somewhat disconcerting to be facing another potential shortage," says Len Brown.

"The region's mayors will be discussing the situation at the mayoral forum today and I'll be requesting a report from Watercare in the coming week.

"I want to know what measures or investment might be needed to avoid shortages in the future. Thankfully, however, if we receive a reasonable level of rainfall over winter, dams will be able to refill.

“Unfortunately, the summer drought is having a serious affect on many farmers. Having recently visited farms in our region and seen what the drought is doing to our farmers, it’s clear to me that careful oversight of our water resources and how they are managed will be an important focus for the new Auckland Council.”

ENDS

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