Rain filling Auckland's dams, but hose ban still in place

The lower Huia dam in the Waitākere Ranges is filling thanks to heavy rain recently, but still remains lower than usual. Photo / Watercare

By RNZ

Auckland's water reservoirs have nudged above 66 per cent full, but water restrictions remain in place.

At this time of year, the dams in the Hūnua and Waitākere Ranges are usually about 88 per cent full, so they are currently 22 per cent below normal levels.

The latest update from Watercare shows Aucklanders' water use is well below the 405 million litre daily target set by Watercare during a severe drought last summer.

Yesterday, Aucklanders used 377 million litres, while the seven-day rolling average is 372m litres.

The Hūnua Ranges have had 68.5mm of rain over the last seven days, while 77.5mm of rain fell on the Waitākere Ranges.

Despite the improvements, water restrictions imposed in May remain in place.

Residential users cannot use outdoor hoses or water blasters connected to the metropolitan water supply.

Businesses can only use outdoor hoses and water blasters connected to the main supply for emergencies, and car washes can only operate if they use recycled water.

Commercial users also cannot water plants, paddocks or sports fields unless the irrigation system is fitted with soil moisture or rain sensors.

The restrictions do not apply to some rural townships in the region with local water sources.

Auckland is currently at Covid-19 alert level 3, so Watercare is asking people to continue washing their hands carefully, but to turn off the tap while soaping their hands.

The region faced its worst drought on record between November last year and May this year, with 40 per cent less rainfall than normal.

Earlier this month, Watercare chief executive Raveen Jaduram, who had been on a salary of $780,000, resigned.