Dry weather reinforces need for rural water conservation

Greater Wellington says the prospect of a dry summer coupled with already low groundwater levels reinforces the need for water users in rural areas to conserve water.

Groundwater levels in many parts of the Wairarapa and on the Kapiti Coast are already at levels usually seen at the end of summer after lower than normal recharges over winter, the prolonged period of dry weather and the associated increased demand from irrigators.

Greater Wellington Environmental Monitoring and Investigations manager Ted Taylor said rivers were getting lower and groundwater levels in some areas were near long term minimum levels for the beginning of summer.

“If we don’t get any significant rainfall soon there is potential to have some very low levels.”

Lower groundwater levels had the biggest impact on landowners taking water from shallow bores. The Council had already received several calls from people reporting their shallow bores had dried up.

Mr Taylor said La Nina conditions were known to bless much of the Wellington region with abundant sunshine and lighter winds. Although eastern Wairarapa could be affected from time to time by rain-bearing easterlies associated with low pressure systems from the north, rainfall could still be patchy.

Team leader consents and compliance Stephen Thawley said water restrictions had been imposed in some Wairarapa catchments - Waingawa River, Booths Creek, Otakura Stream, and the Upper and
Lower Ruamahanga River. Further catchments were likely to have restrictions within the next week unless there was significant rainfall.

“Although water restrictions do not apply to permitted water takes (e.g. domestic and stock water), we are encouraging users to take all practicable steps to conserve water in catchments where water restrictions apply.”

Check out Greater Wellington's rainfall and soil moisture monitoring data. Resource consent holders - find out about current water restrictions in your area.