Level 2 water restrictions for Kerikeri and Waipapa amid dry conditions

Kerikeri and Waipapa face Level 2 water restrictions, which bans use of outdoor irrigation systems and sprinklers. Photo / NZME

Record temperatures and soaring water use have pushed Kerikeri and Waipapa into Level 2 water restrictions from Monday.

Treatment plants have been struggling to keep up with demand and the restrictions ban the use of outdoor sprinklers and irrigation systems.

The Far North District Council said while Kerikeri’s water source is relatively resilient, sustained high consumption is pushing the supply’s treatment plant to its operating limits, seriously limiting maintenance opportunities.

“It is hoped that Level 2 water restrictions will reduce demand and the need to impose further restrictions in the future.”

Residents using tank water are also encouraged to conserve water. Commercial tankers source their water from town supplies to refill domestic water tanks increasing overall demand.

“If necessary, the council will divert tankers to other, less stressed supplies around the district which can increase costs for their customers.”

Level 2 water restrictions are also currently in place in Ōmanaia-Rāwene and Ōpononi-Ōmāpere after being applied in December.

The small streams supplying these communities are highly rainfall-dependent, and recent rain has not been enough to stabilise water levels.

Dry conditions are set to continue with no sign of significant and sustained rainfall forecast.

Meanwhile, water sources are under additional pressure due to increased demand from holidaymakers in the area.

“This is unlikely to diminish with both the Auckland and Northland Anniversary weekend and Waitangi Day approaching.”

The Far North’s other five water sources remain at Level 1 in Kaitāia, Kaikohe, Kawakawa–Moerewa and Ōkaihau. At Level 1 no restrictions apply, but customers are encouraged to use water sensibly.

“The council’s Water Shortage Management Committee is meeting weekly to closely monitor water supplies across the district and will apply restrictions to areas where risks emerge, to help protect this precious taonga through the summer.”