Water restrictions tightened – total ban a possibility

Masterton gardening watering restrictions have been tightened after drizzle over the past two days failed to significantly improve flows in the Waingawa River, the source of the town’s drinking water.

Masterton District Council has now limited garden watering to handheld hoses only, and this could be followed by a total ban within days if the situation does not improve.

Under its consent with Greater Wellington Regional Council, a restriction to handheld hoses can be applied if flows fall below 1,300 litres per second (l/s) – with a total ban becoming an option if flows fall below 1,100l/s.

Three Waters Operations & Transition Manager Steve Watt said the Council was aware restrictions caused pain to gardeners.

“The river has actually been below 1,100l/s for several days, but we were hopeful forecast rain would help,” he said.

“That hasn’t happened and we are now moving to a tighter restriction, though we didn’t want to go straight to a total ban without warning. Gardeners should consider this that warning.

“They should be thinking about alternative sources of water – things like collecting dishwashing water or having a bucket to collect water in the shower.

“A total ban is unusual, but we must protect the health of the river.”

ENDS