Restricted fire season in Rangitikei

A ban on sprinklers and a restricted fire season have come into force in the Rangitikei district.

A ban on sprinklers and a restricted fire season have come into force in the Rangitikei district.

Rangitikei District Council chief executive Ross McNeil said the district's water supply had been strained by a prolonged dry period combined with high water usage.

Mr McNeil said the use of soak hoses, fixed irrigation systems and sprinklers was banned, while hand-held hoses could be used at any time.

"The ban applies to the community supplies of Bulls, Ratana, Hunterville, Mangaweka and Taihape," he said.

It doesn't apply to Marton, however.

Mr McNeil said Rangitikei's water was sourced from bores and rivers.

"As the weather becomes dry and river levels drop, the amount of water [the council is] allowed to take drops as well."

He said the council had been checking for and repairing any leaks on the network and urged residents to conserve as much water as they could.

As of midnight tomorrow, a restricted fire season will be in force in the Rangitikei.

This means a permit will be needed to light a fire. Mr McNeil said fire permits would only be issued for essential operations involving light fuels of short burn duration, such as crop stubble.

The Wanganui District moved to a restricted fire season on January 16. There are no water restrictions in Wanganui, although sprinklers may only be used between 7pm and 9pm.