Water restrictions eased as reservoirs filling up

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Gisborne City residents will be able to water their gardens and clean their cars this Easter weekend.

From today (Wednesday) Gisborne will move to level 3 water restrictions, which means just a ban on sprinkler use.

Hoses can now be used for outdoor water use if they’re held by hand, and the timing for cleaning couldn’t be better with a long weekend approaching.

Gisborne District Council drinking water manager Judith Robertson said the re-joined supply from the Waingake Treatment Plant was going well.

“The 50/50 mix from Waingake and the Waipaoa Treatment Plant is refilling our reservoirs every night and is keeping up with demand.

“As such, we are really happy to let our community know that the restrictions are continuing to ease up.”

Last week, Ms Roberston announced the removal of strict level 5 restrictions after the main city water pipe from the Waingake Treatment Plant had been reconnected following multiple breaks during Cyclone Gabrielle.

Ms Robertson said this week’s move to level three did not mean we were entirely back to normal yet though.

“The water supply situation remains vulnerable to the impacts of weather. Our aim is to minimise the risk of severe water restrictions again.

“If there’s supply interruption at high demand, we only have about one-and-a-half days storage in the city’s reservoirs.

“Keeping demand balanced to water production remains essential for a reliable supply. Use water wisely, avoid any wastage.”