Water rationing on the Waimea Plains starts 14 January. The Stage One rationing, meaning a cut in use by 20 percent of consented water take levels, applies in the Upper Catchment, Reservoir, Waimea West, Delta, Golden Hills, and the Upper Confined Aquifer zones on the Waimea Plains. Read the press release.
There are no other water restrictions.
The Dry Weather Task Force comprises elected Councillors, Council staff, members of the various water user groups in Tasman, Fish and Game Nelson Marlborough Region, Nelson City Council staff, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Rural Fire representatives.
The Dry Weather Task Force was formed many years ago to manage water during dry periods in an informed and collaborative manner. The Task Force normally meets on Tuesdays of each week where a regional water resource update, water use/compliance and forecast of both climate and water demand is discussed. Recommendations are made to the Task Force and agreed decisions are then notified via a press release. Water permit holders who have restrictions placed on them may also be notified directly, depending on the requirements of the restrictions imposed.
The dry weather task force is made up of primarily Waimea water users due to the susceptability of this area to water restrictions. Other user groups are involved when it is relevant.
The Convenor for the Dry Weather Task Force is the Environment and Planning Manager of Tasman District Council. Key Council staff involved with the Dry Weather Task Force are:
| Committee Member | Contact Number |
| Peter Lines | 0274 418 560 |
| Murray King | 021 684 901 |
| Dennis Cassidy | 021 051 0623 |
| Stephen Sutton | 0274 495 133 |
| Jeremy Naylor | 03 541 8846 |
| Kit Maling | 027 544 0536 |
| Alistair Patton | 021 234 1848 |
| Julian Raine | 021 443 993 |
| David Easton | 021 314 902 |
| Joseph Thomas | 027 458 3674 |
| Cr Tim King |
027 244 8202 |
| Dennis Bush-King | 0274 310 317 |
Any current news releases from the Dry Weather Task Force can be viewed from the link below.
Latest news from Tasman District Council
When conditions are dry and there is a risk of low river flows and/or seawater intrusion into aquifers, the 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.
Water rationing and restrictions can be placed on both domestic users and users drawing water as part of a resource consent.
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 its customers. Such restrictions shall be advised by public notice. The 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.
Read about the domestic Water Supply
As part of managing the district's valuable water resources, Council requires water usage data from resource consent holders via their water meter readings. This data is instrumental in ensuring sustainable water management particularly in summer when drier conditions prevail. In those periods, where drought impacts on water availability, water rationing and urban restrictions are critical to ensuring the preservation of the resource.
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