Sprinkler ban remains across Waipa

10 April 2013

As the district continues its wait for a decent amount of rain, a sprinkler ban remains in force across Waipa.

Waipa District Council's Water Services Manager Lorraine Kendrick said despite cooler weather and water consumption dropping, Alert Level 3 would remain in place.

People could still continue to use their hand held hoses and the situation was being reviewed regularly, she said.

The region was continuing to experience dry weather and was still in a declared state of drought. The issue now was not about the amount of water people were using, but the lack of significant rainfall to replenish water sources.

Water consumption across the district has dropped significantly over the past three weeks and we thank our residents for their efforts.

Once significant rainfall occurred restrictions would be reviewed with the intention of relaxing existing restrictions or removing them completely.

Waipa's water supply comes from several different sources such as streams, bores and the Waikato River.

Water levels in Lake Taupo and within the Waikato River system were being monitored daily as was the level of the Maungauika Stream that fed Te Awamutu.

Meanwhile, thanks to the diligence of residents several leaks have been repaired across the district.

Mrs Kendrick said there had been an increase in calls reporting leaks which had greatly assisted in ensuring timely repairs.

Council staff had also carried out a leak detection survey in Pirongia and Kihikihi which had resulted in several leaks being located and repaired.

ENDS

For further information contact

Lisa Nairne

Senior Communications Advisor

Ph: 07 872 0062 or 027 532 1760

Email: lisa.nairne@waipadc.govt.nz