Water restrictions hit Kaikohe and Kaitaia

The Far North District Council imposed commercial and residential water restrictions at Opononi-Omapere last month, and now it's the turn of Kaikohe, Kaitaia and Rawene.

As of today it is illegal, under the council's general bylaw, to use an outdoor hose, fill a swimming pool or use any form of irrigation or sprinkler system drawing from the council water supplies in any of those towns.

Infrastructure and assets general manager David Penny said there had been no significant rain in those areas since mid-December.

The streams and bores that fed the public water systems were approaching the minimum levels permitted by the regional council, giving the district council no option but to restrict the use of water.

"We're asking residents in these areas to limit water use to essential household purposes, and to reduce that consumption where possible," Mr Penny said.

Several days of steady rain would be needed to restore river and bore levels to normal, the 10-day forecast suggesting little likelihood of that, Mr Penny saying reduced consumption right now might avoid the need for more stringent restrictions.

The council is also asking residents to look for signs of leakages from water pipes on and near their properties. Those signs could include moist patches of ground, lawns that were greener than surrounding areas or water flowing from the ground or embankments.

"Even small leaks can place a significant burden on the water supply scheme, so it's important that any signs of leakages are reported to us as soon as possible," Mr Penny said.

Go to www.fndc.govt.nz for water-saving tips.