Tasman Dry Weather Task Force Update.
April 24, 2024
Tasman's Dry Weather Task Force (DWTF) has updated its water restrictions for consent holders across the district.
The following Water direction notices will apply from Monday 29 April 2024 for consent holders in these Water Management Zones:
Changes to previous week:
- Motupiko – move to Stage 1 (a 20% cut on authorised weekly use)
- Moutere Western – move back to Stage 1
Continued directions:
- Moutere Eastern Groundwater – stage 4 (a 65% cut) remains
This week’s review of our river flows and aquifer data indicates most areas are above restriction trigger levels.
The river flow at Motupiko and groundwater levels in the Deep Moutere Aquifer – Eastern zone – remain the exceptions, although levels are slowly recovering in both these aquifers.
The Motupiko river flows situation reflects the catchment geology and the large soil deficits over many weeks.
Tasman DWTF Convenor Kim Drummond said the cooler weather conditions and reduced water requirements provided a useful starting point to enable the recovery of the Moutere Deep Groundwater Zone aquifer.
However, with a minimal amount of rain forecast over the next 10 days, the DWTF would be taking a measured approach in lifting the remaining restrictions.
“Lifting the Western Zone rationing to Stage 1 is extremely encouraging after a difficult few months - there are indications that the Eastern Zone could rise to a Stage 3 buffer level in the near future, however the recovery here has been slower than in the Western Zone and any change will be carefully managed.”
Regarding decisions that come from the Dry Weather Task Force, it is important that Consent holders take heed of the directions and remain familiar with Resource Consent conditions.
Stock drinking water is not affected by these water restrictions.
The position will be reviewed by the Dry Weather Taskforce next week. This will be the final scheduled meeting of the 2023/24 season.
For more information, go to https://www.tasman.govt.nz/my-property/water/water-supply/current-water-restrictions/
TASMAN DISTRICT COUNCIL.
PIGEON POST NEWS, RICHMOND