Occasional rainfall episodes over the last week have helped maintain Tasman’s river and groundwater levels – as well as the current Stage One and Two restrictions for water consent holders.
However, a weather eye is being kept on the declining groundwater levels in the Moutere Eastern zone.
Water Shortage Directions which come into effect on Monday January 29, 2024 will mean Stage One restrictions – or a 20 per cent reduction in authorised weekly water usage – will continue in the Dovedale and Motupiko management zones, including the Rainy River area
Groundwater levels in the Moutere Eastern Groundwater zone have continued to decline further which has required Stage Two restrictions – or a 35 per cent cut in authorised weekly water usage – to remain in place.
If the Moutere Eastern continues to decline – it is likely we will have to consider Stage Three next week.
No other water management zones are subject to restrictions at this stage, but we encourage a water-wise approach to usage across the district.
Recent rain has provided some assistance to a number of areas across the district, with most catchments enjoying small river flushes.
The Wai-Iti and Riuwaka Rivers were notable beneficiaries of this, while as of this week, Wairoa River is flowing at 7040 l/s peaked at 20,000 l/s – allowing some spill from the Waimea Dam.
The Lower Motueka Valley, Moutere, Dovedale and Motupiko areas have not fared as well.
Although the Motupiko rose with the recent rain but it also has been dropping quickly.
Despite some showers, the Dove River also has not improved and the catchment has been very dry overall.
Staff will continue to monitor and update information regularly, while the Dry Weather Task Force team will review the situation accordingly in the coming days.
While there was some optimism that rain forecast for the weekend could help boost the flow along the Motupiko River, it was unlikely to provide much relief for the Dove River.
In the meantime, it is important that consent holders were familiar with their Resource Consent conditions.
These restrictions do not apply to users of Council-managed reticulated water supplies, which are subject to alternative restrictions.