Hawke's Bay farmers and manufacturers have been banned from taking water from two rivers as dry, hot weather hits the region.
Hawke's Bay. Photo: 123RF
The ban affects 16 sites on the Tukituki and Waipawa rivers and the Hawke's Bay Regional Council says a ban on the Ngaruroro River at Fernhill is imminent.
A water take ban means consent holders are prohibited from taking water from the rivers or streams affected.
People with resource consents to take water receive an email or text from the Hawke's Bay Regional Council informing them of any restrictions or bans. Up to date information on the situation is also available on the regional council website.
Hawke's Bay Regional Councillor Will Foley said it was a difficult time for those affected by the water take bans, but managing the region's water resource was a balancing act for the environment and the economy.
"We feel for those on water bans and also those where their own water supply, whether it be wells, creeks or springs, has run dry. This current dry spell highlights the importance of our Regional Water Security Programme, which aims to make our region more resilient in these dry periods,"
There were water restrictions already in place for urban residents throughout the region.
Hastings District and Central Hawke's Bay were on level three water restrictions which means sprinkler use was prohibited. Hand held hoses could be used on alternate days only, at limited times.
Napier City was on level two restrictions which meant using sprinklers on alternate days, at limited times.