Environment / Auckland Region

Dams half full: Watercare's new boss on Auckland's water woes

09:07 am on 7 May 2021

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Auckland's dams are about to dip under half-way again, with dry skies forecast through to next week.

They're a long way from the historical average for this time of year of 76 per cent and inching uncomfortably close to the mid-40s level that last year saw the city impose restrictions on residential and commercial users.

Level one restrictions - no hose without a trigger nozzle - are in place, but otherwise the city's water management company Watercare is relying on the goodwill of Aucklanders to keep usage under 430m litres a day.

$224m was sought last year to boost supply - and consent to take more from the Waikato River is being considered. Kathryn talks to new chief executive of Watercare, Jon Lamonte. 

Photo: Watercare