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Water Rationing and Restrictions
Council continually monitors and manages the district’s water resource. This page details any current restrictions and how Council works with the community to decide if restrictions are needed.
When conditions are dry and there is a risk of low river flows and/or seawater intrusion into aquifers; Council considers water use restrictions for water use through a forum called the Dry Weather Task Force (DWTF). The DWTF is made up of water user representatives and Council staff members.
Water rationing and restrictions can be placed on both domestic users and users drawing water as part of a resource consent.
Current Water Rationing and Restrictions
There are currently no water rationing or restrictions in place.
Updated Monday 13 May 2013.
Resource Consent Water Rationing
For holders of Resource Consents to take water, Council recognises that water rationing measures can place extra pressure on users and implements any restrictions over three stages:
- Stage 1 - 20% cut in each consent's authorised allocation
- Stage 2 - 35% cut
- Stage 3 - 50% cut
In times of a serious water shortage (generally stage 3), Council will consider the priorities of public health and animal health as well as damage to the water resource and related systems.
Council's policies for the "Allocation of water between competing water users" is contained in section 30.2 of the TRMP (Tasman Resource Management Plan).
TRMP Chapter 30 - Taking, Using, Damming and Diverting Water
Household/Domestic Water Restrictions
When rationing is required for household water users it may be implemented as follows:
- Hand held hosing restricted to odd and even calendar days corresponding to the house street number
- Owners of private wells in the areas restricted are directed to only water productive gardens every second day
Emergency Restrictions
During an emergency the Council may restrict or prohibit the use of water for any specified purpose, for any specified period, and for any or all of it's customers. Such restrictions shall be advised by public notice. Council may enact penalties over and above those contained in the Water Supply Bylaw conditions to enforce these restrictions.
The decision to make and lift restrictions, and to enact additional penalties, shall be made by the Council, or where immediate action is required, by the Engineering Manager of Tasman District Council.
Domestic Water Supply Information