WATER WATER

WAIMEA COMMUNITY DAM.  PHOTO WAIMEA WATER LTD. The first photo of water being released from the Waimea Community Dam - Saturday & Sunday 2 & 3 March 2024.

 Majority of Tasman urban water restrictions lifted 

4 March 2024

The low-level release of augmented water at the Waimea Community Dam over the weekend has enabled water restrictions for the majority of users of Council-managed reticulated water supplies to be lifted with immediate effect. 

This decision applies to residents in Richmond, Hope, Māpua/ Ruby Bay, Brightwater, Redwood 1 and 2 as well as 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. 

However those on Wakefield and Eighty-Eight Valley supplies will remain at Phase A – to help maintain water levels in the Kainui Dam at Wai-Iti - while users in Dovedale will remain at Phase D.  

"This summer has required some flexibility in terms of our water use as we navigate the need to keep within our consented takes and the efforts of water users,” Group manager, Community Infrastructure Richard Kirby said. 
 
"At times, this has meant some significant restrictions were implemented – however, we are grateful for everyone’s efforts to conserve water as much as possible. 

 “The likelihood of meaningful rain in the coming weeks remains uncertain – however, the recent release of water and the imminent commissioning of the Waimea Dam means urban and commercial water users can be reassured of our ability to augment supplies as necessary.” 

On Saturday 2 March, Waimea Water Ltd (WWL) commenced its release of water from the Dam’s reservoir to alleviate the effects of continuing dry and warm summer conditions.  

Water from the reservoir was released through the smaller of three permanent dispersing valves constructed to release water from the reservoir in dry periods.  

WWL expects the two larger dispersing valves will be operational within the next two weeks.  

Once the other two dispersing valves are operational and their performance verified, the dam will be fully commissioned. Commissioning is scheduled for later in March. 

The augmented flow from the dam will support both horticulture and the domestic water wells near Appleby that supply water to the combined Richmond / Nelson water network.  

Māpua, Ruby Bay, Brightwater and Wakefield also use bores in the Waimea Plains, benefitting from the recharged aquifers.    

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

Tasman District Council, Communications.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.