Friday 20 March 2009

Summer water restrictions lifted

Clutha District Council advises that due to recent rainfall and the onset of cooler temperatures the normal ‘Stage One – Summer Mode’ water restrictions which had been in place for the entire district have now been lifted.

These restrictions have been in place since December 2008, and Council will look at re-establishing these seasonal restrictions if weather conditions demand again next summer.

Council has a standardised three-stage system of water restrictions to encourage the efficient use of water during summer months. The ‘Stage One – Summer Mode’ restriction means watering is restricted to between 8pm and 8am only; while Stages Two and Three ban sprinklers and hoses respectively at all times.

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

Council’s Water Services Manager Hank Stocker said that despite the lifting of the restrictions, consumers are still urged to avoid wasting water at any time and to report any leaks.

“There is obviously a cost involved to treat and supply all water even when there is no shortage,” Mr Stocker said. “Any wastage of water represents unnecessary cost to ratepayers."