Northland is on the verge of a drought, with experts urging residents to start water conservation measures now, or risk the region running dry.
The region is in the grip of an El Nino weather pattern of strong south-westerly winds and record sunshine which, with a below average rainfall, is parching Northland's east coast.
In a report to be considered today by the Northland Regional Council, hydrologist Dale Hansen warned major water users should plan for possible water shortages this summer, possible as early as next month.
In the El Nino summer of 1997- 98 Northland sweltered through the worst drought in 100 years, resulting in hose and sprinkler bans, and warm coastal waters which caused shellfish to die. It also began the 1998 electricity crisis in New Zealand.
"Current trends indicate that drier conditions will be experienced much earlier than usual this summer, possibly early December. The region could experience a dry period equivalent to a one in a five-year drought, possibly greater in some localised areas. Much of the region could be affected," Mr Hansen said.
"Major water users in these areas should plan for possible water shortages this summer."
National Institute of Weather and Atmospheric Research climatologist Jim Salinger predicted "significant soil moisture deficits" for Northland.
"Think of it as a tank or reservoir, when it is full it is at zero. Currently there is 50 per cent in the tank."
Although the Whangarei District Council's water storage facilities are full, a dry summer could bode ill for the following year.
Council water services manager Simon Weston said the Whau Valley dam was at 95 per cent capacity -- average for this time of year. In the 1997-98 drought, it dropped to 63 per cent.
"If we have a prolonged dry summer and winter, and next year is dry then we will have a problem. This year may present a problem mid to late summer with stream flows and river sources," Mr Weston said.
Meanwhile, water suppliers are in demand in coastal areas that are not on town supply.
Ben Beasley, who owns a household water delivery service for the Whangarei Heads area, said business had been busy since winter.
"We are flat stick carting water - more of it than before. We are up to 20 trips (of a 10,000 litre tank) a week ... It's very dry," he said.
- NORTHERN ADVOCATE
New Zealand
