Masterton will likely face water restrictions over Christmas as recent dry weather caused a dip in river water flows.
Photo: LDR / Supplied
The first of a range of measures to curb water use is imminent, as the first trigger point in Masterton District Council's agreements with Greater Wellington Regional Council is fired.
December flows in the Waingawa River, the source of Masterton's drinking water, are dropping.
They are set to fall below the 2000 litres per second [l/s] level this week, with no rain forecast.
The council says it must limit water use under the terms of consent.
Limits on lawn sprinklers are MDC's first move. The sprayers will only be allowed on alternative days once the flow drops below the critical mark.
Once in place, restrictions on sprinkler use will remain until 31 March.
Tighter restrictions will be applied at lower river levels, said David Hopman, assets and operations manager at Masterton District Council.
There will be a complete sprinkler ban if river flow rates fall below 1300l/s.
Handheld hoses can be used, but all watering would be prohibited if flows fall below 1100l/s.
"We've been fortunate this year, with reasonable rainfall in the run-up to Christmas, but flows are now dropping.
"Water restrictions are a normal part of summer in Masterton, and in previous years we've had to introduce them well before this time of the year."
A damp spring has not been wet enough to avoid limits for the district's green-fingered townsfolk.
Forecasts predict Wairarapa will buck the trend during summer 2020-21. A wetter-than-normal summer will follow a damp spring.
Long-term projections remain for the districts' rainfall to lesson, and temperatures rise.
The rules were enforced three weeks earlier in 2019.
Hopman said MDC encouraged people to limit non-essential water use to help preserve the health of the river.
It has increased its signage in the town centre, at the Kuripuni shopping village, and at the district's main transfer station. It is also working on a $40,000 leak detection project in its network.
MDC has urged residents to follow its website and social media for updates, as restrictions can change quickly.
Across the Waingawa, Carterton District recommends residents should limit water use during day time hours.
South Wairarapa's council enforces a day-on, day-off garden water policy all year round.
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