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Tasman Dry Weather Taskforce
4 February 2009
Tasman District Council’s Dry Weather Taskforce Convenor, Dennis Bush-King, said that flows in the Wairoa/Waimea, Takaka and Motueka Rivers are getting low and groundwater levels on the Waimea Plains are also beginning to drop. The Council is not moving to introduce water restrictions at this stage, except where it has already started under the provisions of consent conditions in Takaka, but will be monitoring the situation throughout the district closely.
“We are moving into the driest month and no rain will mean water levels will continue to drop. The Wairoa River is at 3.7 cumecs and Stage 1 rationing kicks in at around 2.5 cumecs. The Motueka River is down to 7.9 cumecs at Woodstock and under the Motueka Water Conservation Order restrictions will have to start at around 7 cumecs. We have convened another meeting of the Council’s Dry Weather Task Force for Tuesday next week to discuss the situation.” Mr Bush-King said.
The small number of water users in the Takaka catchment are already on restrictions when the Takaka River flow drops to below 1.63 cumecs. In dry conditions the Takaka River is affected by the Cobb Dam generation releases. The salmon farm off the Anatoki River is also under restriction when flows in the river drop below 2.8 cumecs. The Anatoki is currently flowing at 2.3 cumecs. The salmon farm off Waikoropupu Springs is restricted when flows in the springs drop to below 8.2 cumecs. The flow is currently at 8.5 cumecs.
“Fortunately, with a wettish December, we are considering the prospect of rationing later in the season than in previous years so hopefully for most growers we can get through summer, but if the dry weather and windy conditions continue then water levels will drop quickly and Council may have to move through the rationing steps in the Waimea Plains quite quickly,” said Mr Bush King.
He said people, including domestic users in council urban and rural water supply areas, can help by using water wisely.
“This includes watering gardents in the evening and at night when the water doesn’t evaporate as fast and using water conservation measures in the home and place of work. The Mapua supply in particular is reaching its capacity limits and water conservation measures are encouraged.”
The Council has noted some overtakes and poor practices such as irrigating roads and Mr Bush King said these matters will be taken up with those concerned.
Note: 1 cumecs = 1000 litres/second
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