Water restrictions in place for Far North

Published: 10:16AM Tuesday March 09, 2010

Source: Newstalk ZB

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Source: NZPA

Prosecution and fines of up to $20,000 could be on the cards for Far North residents caught flouting new water restrictions.

From Tuesday in Kaitaia, and Wednesday in Opononi and Omapere, there are bans on commercial car washes, waterblasting, filling swimming pools and washing or watering anything around the house with a hose.

Far North District Council spokesman David Penny says there are tough penalties for people who ignore the bans.

He says people are invited to call the district council and report people who are using water inappropriately.

Penny says all calls are anonymous.

Contingency plans are in place should the water supply run out.

Water usage in drought-stricken Kaitaia dropped by 15% over the weekend, which has pleased the District Council.

But Penny says it is only just the start, and depending on river levels there may need to be up to a 50% reduction in water use.

Penny says if it came down to a worst-case scenario, the council would supply drinking water individually to each household.

Each household would be supplied with a 20 litre container, and be able to fill their own from water tanks in residential areas.

Penny says that water would have to be trucked in from Kerikeri.

Water ban extended

The Far North District Council has announced is extending its water bans to more towns.

They will be in place in Kawakawa and Moerewa by the end of the week.

Council spokeswoman Alison Lees says water levels in the stream that feeds the two towns have dropped quickly, despite 60 millimetres of rain recently.

The water bans include commercial car washes, water blasting, and watering or washing around the house with a hose.

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