‘Stage One’ water restrictions underway

The onset of summer combined with reasonably dry weather of late, sees ‘Stage One – Summer Mode’ water restrictions come into effect for the entire Clutha District today Wednesday 7 December 2011.

The ‘Stage One – Summer Mode’ restriction means watering is restricted to between the hours of 8pm to 8am only. This means that watering systems and sprinklers may be used during these times, but should not be left unattended and the occupier must ensure that water is not being used wastefully.

Exemptions may be granted by Council on a case-by-case basis to commercial properties and for irrigation depending on the level of restrictions in place, the extent of the dry period, and the time of the year.

These minor restrictions are designed to help ensure there is sufficient water throughout the summer period and that more severe restrictions are hopefully avoided. If weather conditions become too extreme, Council may have to impose further restrictions including sprinkler and hosing bans.

While many of the district’s water schemes have plentiful sources, restrictions are required during times of high demand because the treatment plants and pipe capacity of schemes restrict the amount of water that can be delivered to consumers.

Other tips for conserving water include:

• Report water leaks in Council pipes and fittings to your nearest Council office, or call 0800 801 350 if outside of business hours.

• Fix drips and leaks in your own plumbing and outdoor troughs etc.

• Water the garden in the early morning or evening, and only as necessary.

• Don’t leave water running unnecessarily.

• Showers are more economical than baths.

• Use a bucket to wash the car.

Dry weather placing strain on some water supplies (Media Release, Tuesday 10 January 2012)

Water Services

Council provides regular supplies of both potable water for both human consumption and stock drinking water in the district via 22 urban and rural water supply schemes.

Rural Water Schemes primarily provide potable water for stock but also provide for domestic consumption. The rural schemes are Balmoral 1, Balmoral 2, Clydevale/Pomahaka, Glenkenich, Moa Flat, North Bruce, Richardson, South Bruce, Tuapeka, and Wangaloa.

Some rural schemes provide water in bulk to smaller communities and urban schemes within their area of supply. The urban supplies are Clinton (Pomahaka), Kaka Point (Richardson), Waihola (North Bruce), Benhar (South Bruce/Stirling Treatment Plant), Stirling (South Bruce/Stirling Treatment Plant), Cherry Lane (South Bruce), Heriot (Moa Flat), Waikaka and Pukerau (Glenkenich). Most of these communities have restricted supplies to consumers while one or two are unrestricted.

Urban supplies include Balclutha, Kaitangata, Lawrence, Milton, Owaka and Tapanui. With the exception of Owaka, they provide an unrestricted supply of potable water for domestic, commercial and industrial use within each scheme area.

30% of the water produced is for domestic consumption with the balance being largely used for stock water.