Tougher water restrictions may be on the way

With Taranaki in a period of drought, significantly reduced water levels in the Pātea River, and forecasts pointing to a continuation of dry weather, we want to warn our community that we may shortly have to impose level 3 water restrictions. A move to level 3 will allow only essential water use for residential and commercial users of the Stratford, Midhirst, and Toko water supply.

When the Pātea River’s water flow rate drops below certain levels because of natural environmental factors, our resource consent requires us to reduce the amount we take for the town supply, leading to water restrictions. At the moment, residential users are under level 2 water restrictions, with a total ban on handheld hoses, irrigation systems, sprinklers, and water blasters.

SDC will move to level 3 water restrictions if flows in the Pātea River reduce to less than 556 litres per second at any point over 3 consecutive days. Director of Assets Victoria Araba says that while a recent drop in temperature, some rainfall, and snow on Taranaki Mounga has helped, forecasts point to a move to level 3 before the wet season begins.

“Level 3 will be nearing the crisis point for our town’s water supply. So far, commercial users have been encouraged but not required to restrict their water use, but under level 3 that will change. If it happens, everyone in our community will need to roll-up their sleeves and work together to significantly reduce our water use,” says Victoria.

“Essential water use will mean stopping or reducing activities that use water to what’s absolutely required for the health of yourself, your whānau, your animals, and your organisation or business. Note that I did not mention your garden or lawn,” Victoria points out.

“Please plan ahead and look at how you use water. If you can’t stop an activity, can you safely reduce the amount of water you use for it, or how often the activity takes place? For example, on a household level, reducing the amount of laundry you do, not flushing the toilet unless you really need to, and restricting showers to 5 minutes or less. If we do need to move to level 3, it’ll be all hands on deck, and we’ll need you to do everything you can to save water.”

Businesses that require large amounts of water to remain in operation can stay open under level 3, but they must reduce their water consumption to what’s essential. That may mean some parts of their business, or the services they offer, will need to stop temporarily. Under level 4, high-use commercial operators may need to close.

“At this point, we don’t believe we’ll need to move to level 4 this year, but we know that level 3 will be hard enough on local businesses. We encourage members of our business community to have a plan ready for a possible ban on non-essential water use, but we are here to help. Please call our Water Services team on 06 765 6099 or email Water@Stratford.govt.nz if you want to talk through your plan, or ways you may be able to save water,” says Victoria.

Water restriction information is available at Stratford.govt.nz/WaterRestrictions

Any change in water restriction levels will be advertised at Stratford.govt.nz/PublicNotices as well as through the free Antenno app.