Central Hawke’s Bay community Kairakau placed under level 4 water restrictions

The level four water restrictions mean no dishwasher use and limits to flushing the toilet in Kairakau.

Central Hawke’s Bay District Council is moving one of its beach communities into level 4 water restrictions, meaning they need to restrict the flushing of their toilets.

Level 4 is the highest level of water restriction available to the council and came into force in Kairakau on Thursday.

Residents are unable to use dishwashers, top up pools, and wash boats, cars, and houses.

They must also limit the use of washing machines, limit showers to two minutes, and follow the ‘if it’s yellow, let it mellow’ guide when it comes to flushing the toilet.

Water can only be used water outside for emergencies.

Central Hawke’s Bay District Council chief executive Doug Tate said the decision was not made lightly, but one made in the best interests of the Kairakau community.

“It became a necessary move due to the inability to extract enough water from the bore and the spring - the water sources for Kairakau.”

Currently, due to the lack of water, the bore is only able to draw approximately a tenth of its consented take.

“At that rate, it would take almost three days to refill the reservoir.”

Tate said the council was exploring any other underlying causes, with the current dry conditions expected to be the main contributor.

“We’re having to use tankers to maintain the supply, until the issue is resolved. That’s why we’re having to take such urgent action and implement Level 4 restrictions.”