River water flowing in lean city supply

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River water flowing in lean city supply

Wednesday, February 20, 2013 • Murray Robertson

GISBORNE city’s developing water shortage situation deepened today as the District Council moved to a higher water alert and banned the use of domestic sprinklers.

Water levels in the Mangapoike dams are lower than they have been at this time of year for 15 years and now half the water flowing out of our taps comes from the emergency back-up source . . . the Waipaoa River.

Niwa’s long-term weather forecast predicts dry conditions in the district over the next three months.

Council water team leader Marcus Koll said the council viewed the situation very seriously.

“City water consumption has been high since December, particularly when it comes to garden watering,” Mr Koll said.

Continued high water demand in dry conditions has pushed the council to move to “water alert level 3” from today.

“Alert level 3 means there is now a total ban on all domestic sprinkler use.”

There is also a restriction on non-essential outdoor water use and sprinklers for commercial and non-residential properties.

“There are no other water restrictions on industrial users at this stage, however we have contacted the top 20 industrial water users individually.

“They have been asked to advise staff to use water sensibly wherever they can.”

The ban on sprinklers was needed to ensure the continued supply of drinking water to the city, he said.

“Demand for water is still high and unfortunately alert levels 1 and 2 have only had a small impact in reducing demand.”

Fifty percent of the city’s water is coming out of the Waipaoa River via the treatment plant.

“It’s hoped the community will respond to the ban because the next step in the alert process — Level 4 — involves total restrictions on any non-essential outdoor water use,” Mr Koll said.

“It is important that proactive steps are taken now, particularly as the district moves into a busy harvesting season.”

The council has received 10 complaints of improper water use.

“Water utilities inspectors followed up all of the complaints, to ensure people are aware of the current restrictions.”

Those with concerns about improper water use can report it 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 867 2049, by emailing service@gdc.govt.nz or completing the e-fix form on the council’s website, Mr Koll said.

“The council thanks those who have adhered to previous sprinkler restrictions and made efforts to conserve water.”

WATER ALERT: District Council water treatment operator Ged Brown checks the operation of the final clarifier at the Waipaoa water treatment plant. The plant is providing half the city’s water supply right now. Picture supplied

Comments

Peter Jones

04:34 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 20, 2013

More growth fixes every thing heh heh.
They will probably try to fine granny for leaving her sprinkler on and let the processing factories off scott free.

Peter Jones

08:21 a.m. Friday, Feb 22, 2013

Driving along Potae Ave this morning I spotted an old lady dangling a hand-held over the fence. She wasn't wearing a ski mask but she looked very furtive. I'm sure there was "intent".
At Kiri Te Kanawa rest home there was fresh evidence that "sprinkling" had just occurred.
Something should be done. These oldies are just going too far. Heh Heh.

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