31 January 2020

Masterton gardeners are getting what is likely to be a brief respite from the total garden watering ban, after unexpected rain yesterday (Thursday) saw a rise in the level of the Waingawa River.

As a result, Masterton District Council (MDC) has eased the garden watering restriction to handheld hoses only.

The river is the source of Masterton’s drinking water and flows increased to 1,300 litres per second overnight, above the 1,100 l/s trigger for a total watering ban.

MDC Assets and Operations Manager David Hopman said the council was taking the opportunity to ease restrictions, even for a short time.

“Unless we get more rain we are likely to return to a total ban early next week, but for a few days we have an opportunity to allow handheld hose watering.

“We recognise the efforts Masterton people have made to reduce consumption over the past week, and this has helped reduce the impact on the river – it has made a difference.

“The rain yesterday has lifted flow levels, and we want to be responsive to that when it comes to water restrictions.”

For updates on Masterton’s water restriction levels, refer to the council website: www.mstn.govt.nz

For water restrictions in other Wairarapa districts, residents should refer to their own district council’s websites.

ENDS