Sprinkler restriction lifted

THE sprinkler restriction has been lifted in Gisborne as industrial water use remains “steady and manageable”, and water levels in the Mangapoike dams remain “healthy”.

A level 1 water restriction was introduced by Gisborne District Council in early January in response to heavy demand on the city supply. It banned the use of sprinklers outside of the hours of 6pm to 8am seven days a week.

“We have lifted the restriction with immediate effect for a range of reasons,” said GDC water utilities manager Neville West.

“The demand from seasonal industries is steady and manageable.

“We had to see the effect of the seasonal industry draw-down on the water supply before we reconsidered the water restrictions.

“That demand has stabilised to a manageable level.”

Mr West said another factor was the healthy state of the Mangapoike dams.

“The dams currently sit at 79.2 percent capacity, which is very good for this time of year.

“The Gisborne community should be congratulated for the way they have responded to our call for more careful use of water.

“That has helped the situation considerably.”

The daily city water use has hovered between 20,000 cubic metres and 22,500 cubic metres a day for the past two weeks as season industries got up to speed.

On only three days in the past 5-6 weeks has the daily use exceeded the maximum daily supply level from Waingake of 22,500c/ms.

Mr West said another factor in their decision to lift the restriction was the extended Metservice forecast.

“It is for cool and wet weather, which suggests suppressed residential demand.”

The NIWA seasonal climate outlook for the period March to May suggests above normal rainfall for the Gisborne district.