Water Rationing and Restrictions

Council continually monitors and manages the district’s water resource. 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.

Current Water Rationing and Restrictions

Water rationing and restrictions can be placed on both domestic users and users drawing water as part of a resource consent.

Current Resource Consent Rationing

There are no current rationing restirctions in place.  The 2011/2010 summer season begins 31 October 2011.

Updated 12 September 2011.
More information about Resource Consent Water Rationing

Current Household/Domestic Water Restrictions

There are no current rationing restirctions in place.  The 2011/2012 summer season begins 31 October 2011.

Updated 12 September 2011.
More information about Household Water Restrictions

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

For further information about your water management zone or rationing stages please contact the Council Compliance Team

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

Related Links