Dovedale and Waimea most affected by latest Tasman urban water restrictions
14 February, 2024
Tasman District Council is implementing revised water restriction levels for users of its urban reticulated supplies, primarily impacting residents in Dovedale and Waimea. Starting from Monday, 19 February 2024, areas such as Richmond, Hope, Māpua/Ruby Bay, Redwood Valley, and parts of Nelson will move to Phase C restrictions. While Brightwater and Wakefield remain in Phase A, Dovedale retains Phase D, with the possibility of progressing to Phase E if demand doesn't decrease. The adjustments, driven by a lack of rain, water demand, and consented take considerations, reflect the Council's commitment to compliance and sustainable water usage.
Tasman District Council’s Press Release:
Dovedale and Waimea residents will be most affected by the revised Water Restriction levels for users of Tasman District Council-managed urban reticulated supplies.
Effective Monday 19 February, residents in Richmond, Hope, Māpua/ Ruby Bay, Redwood Valley 1 and 2 and Eighty-Eight Valley will move to Phase C restrictions.
Nelson residents living adjacent to Champion Road, Wakatū Industrial Estate, and parts of Saxton Road West, where water is supplied from the Richmond Water Supply Scheme, will also face Phase C water restrictions.
Water users in Brightwater and Wakefield will remain in Phase A.
However, reticulated water users in Dovedale will remain at Phase D with the likelihood of moving to Phase E next week if there is no drop in demand.
Tasman Group Manager – Community Infrastructure Richard Kirby acknowledged there had been a number of changes in terms of the extent of restrictions, which have been dictated by our efforts to keep within our consented takes.”
“These were affected by the amount of rainfall and the demand for water in the Waimea and Wakefield urban supplies.”
“However, the continued summer water demand combined with a long-range forecast of dry weather has prompted a review of the situation.”
“Our consents dictate that we are only allowed 80% of the consented take and many of our schemes are exceeding this, so we need further restrictions to comply.”
The decision to keep Dovedale at Phase D stemmed from the area currently being at an unprecedented Stage 4 (or 65 per cent reduction in use) for consent holders.
“We therefore need to keep Phase D restrictions to keep compliance, but we stress that water is still allowed to be used for public health and stock wellbeing reasons.”
“If use at Dovedale does not drop below 80% of our consented take this week, it will go to Phase E next week.”
“Under Phase E, users can only use water for drinking, sanitation, medical, health and safety, firefighting and livestock purposes.”
Richard also acknowledged that “some in the community will want to know why we have these restrictions when the Waimea Community Dam is full. Although the dam is full it has not been fully commissioned and is intended to be commissioned in March 2024.
“Currently the outlet pipework is not fully installed so no additional water can be released other than what is going over the spillway. We understand that Waimea Water Limited is looking at options to increase the release of water from the dam.
“Our message to use water according to their area’s Phase level is more important than ever - conserving water as much as possible will lower the demand and therefore the restrictions we put in place.”
Information around water tips can be found at www.tasman.govt.nz/my-property/water/water-saving-tips
More information around water restrictions can be found at Current restrictions - reticulated | Tasman District Council(external link)
Phase A restrictions mean;
- watering of grass or lawns is not permitted.
- Watering decorative and productive gardens is permitted using a handheld hose with trigger nozzle or time limited water system.
- Filling a pool is prohibited, but pools can still be topped up.
Under Phase C
YOU CAN:
- Wash your car using recycled grey water only.
- Do essential outdoor washing for safety reasons, using a bucket only.
- Water your flowers/trees/planters every second day only with a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering systems on a timer or a bucket. Watering listed protected trees is allowed using these methods.
- Water your veggie garden and fruit trees every second day only with a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering systems on a timer or a bucket.
YOU CAN’T:
- Water the lawn.
- Fill or top up a pool, spa or water feature.
- Use water for play.
Under Phase D
YOU CAN:
- Wash your car using recycled grey water only.
- Do essential outdoor washing for safety reasons, using a bucket only.
- Water listed protected trees every second day only with a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering systems on a timer or a bucket.
- Water your veggie garden and fruit trees every second day only using a bucket only.
YOU CAN’T:
- Water your flowers/trees/planters.
- Water the lawn.
- Fill or top up a pool, spa or water feature.
- Use water for play.
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