She said every summer season is different and the demands placed on water treatment plants can vary depending on a range of factors that can increase the demand for water in the district.
“An influx of tourists is one example of this. A dry winter heading into the summer season can also be a factor.”
Proctor said water-take consent levels were set by Northland Regional Council to protect water sources (rivers, streams and bores) in the Far North.
She explained the need for water restrictions arose when the water-take consent levels set by the regional council were reached.
“Some water supplies are more vulnerable than others to fluctuating flow levels.”
Proctor said the Hokianga streams, for example, were small and could drop quickly in dry weather.
“Another example is in Paihia, where the treatment plant often operates for 23 hours a day during the peak tourist season.”
The different levels set by the regional council trigger Level 2, 3 and 4 water restrictions.
The district council usually gave the public a heads-up about an increase in water restrictions on a Friday, with new limits taking effect the following Monday.
The staged levels act as an early warning, encouraging people to be mindful of water use.
“This measured approach is to ensure that the public is aware of the need to conserve water before the situation becomes dire,” Proctor said.
But if required, water restrictions could be put in place immediately.
Proctor said that because of the high volume of visitors in the Far North over the summer months, some aspects of demand for water and its use could be hard to predict.
However, the Water Shortage Management Committee met regularly, as conditions required, so any changes in the level of water flows could be responded to immediately.
Council contractor Ventia is continuing lead detection work across the district, with a focus this summer on Ōpononi, Paihia and Kawakawa.
Earlier this year, water restrictions were in place in parts of the district, including Ōpononi, Kawakawa, Moerewa, Paihia and Kerikeri.
There are currently no restrictions across the region but residents are asked to use water sensibly.
Despite the caution, the overall outlook is steady for Northland.
Northland Regional Council’s latest hydrology report showed a low risk of drought conditions developing in the region over the next three months.
Rainfall from November to January 2026 is predicted to be “near average” or “elevated”.
River flow catchments were generally “normal” through October.
Groundwater levels in Northland’s key aquifers were primarily “above normal” to “normal”.
Soil moisture levels are about normal for this time of year.
Earth Sciences NZ is forecasting spells of unusually warm weather for Northland, including at night, as summer progresses. Soil moisture levels are likely to be below normal and river flows are equally likely to be near normal or below normal.
