Measures to curb Waimarama water usage

Daily water use at Waimarama will be monitored and an irrigation ban put in place to encourage people to conserve h20 as the region begins to dry out.

Hastings District Council said the springs, which were the main source of water supply to the coastal town, came under severe pressure each summer and restrictions have to be put in place to ensure the supply does not exceed the volume of water it was allowed to take.

Hawke's Bay Regional Council regulated the amount of water the Hastings Council could take from the springs and streams to keep Waimarama's reservoir topped up.

Councillor Tania Kerr said reducing the demand for water now could have major benefits later in summer.

"Council staff will be monitoring the daily water use and undertaking inspections throughout the summer period in order to maintain a high profile on water conservation."

She said it was important o work with the community to stay within the water take conditions outlined by the regional council.

"The supply is most vulnerable during the Christmas and New Year period when holiday makers flock into the settlement.

"Local residents and holiday makers are being asked to be extremely vigilant in their use of water to ensure the supply is available at all times over the summer period."

Cr Kerr said there were some simple measures which helped with water conservation. Boaties in particular, need to minimise the amount of water they used for washing boats.

"Residents are also urged to be conservative in their use of water inside the home by limiting the length of time taken for showers, fix any leaking taps and not leaving taps running unnecessarily."

An irrigation ban would be put in place in Waimarama again this summer. The ban applied to watering gardens and lawns from the mains supply.

Cr Kerr said there would be plenty of notice letting people know when the ban was to be put in place.

The council said sufficient water would be maintained in the reservoir at all times in case of fire.

Water was among the common themes recorded at a series of public meetings set up by the council to help write a community plan for Waimarama.

Erosion to the beach, sea and flooding were also flagged as issues at Waimarama.

People were also worried about traffic on the beach, people destroying plantings and alcohol control over the summer holiday period.

For updates and the latest figures on daily use go to: http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/water-use-monitor#waimarama