Council lifts some irrigation bans after rain in ranges bolsters river levels

Some irrigators have had bans on water takes lifted after recent rain in the ranges. Photo / Duncan Brown

Five total and partial irrigation bans imposed by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council have been lifted this week after recent rainfall in the ranges helped bolster river levels.

Last week there were 34 bans in place, but that had been reduced to 29 total and partial water bans.

A Hawke's Bay Regional Council spokesman said that although the region was drying out about a month ahead of what it normally did, it was too early to call it a drought.

A regional drought committee, however, would be convened to discuss and advise on any drought status, but only informal discussions had been held to date.

During a ban, consent holders are not able to take water for crops or pasture, but are able to take water for domestic and stock supply.

The total bans currently operating as at January 24 were:
Sandy Creek/Papakiri Stream at Tūtira, Aropaoanui River, Karamū Stream, Mangateretere Stream, Louisa Stream, Karewarewa Stream, Te Waikaha Stream, Poukawa Stream, Tukipo River, Papanui Stream and Puhokio Stream.

Partial bans operating as of January 24 were:
Tutaekuri River (for 3800 litres/second), Ngaruroro River at Fernhill (down to 15128 l/s), Raupare Drain (down to 549 l/s), Maraekakaho Stream (down to 250 l/s), Tukituki River at Red Bridge (down to 22,022 l/s) and at Tapairu Road (down to 9892 l/s), Waipawa River at Waipawa SH2 (down to 3000 l/s).

Last week HBRC environmental officer Ian Lilburn said irrigation supply using the Raupare Stream was holding, due to commitments made by the Twyford Water User Group.

The Raupare was being augmented from a bore at the top of the stream, combined with a programme of rationing among Twyford water users.

"This shared approach to irrigation, using a 'global consent' model, means fewer bans lasting for shorter periods, and was negotiated to deal with the kind of dry conditions we're currently seeing," Mr Lilburn said.

Apart from maybe some scattered rain today, the MetService forecast was for sunny skies for Hastings, Napier and Waipukurau until this Saturday.

- The Hawke's Bay Regional Council is to host a Climate Briefing on Thursday, February 2 at 9am, which is open to public.