Further water restrictions to affect Region

With no sign of rain forecast over the next week, water restrictions are now taking affect across the parts of the Tararua, Manawatu and Whanganui catchments within the Horizons Region.

“Very little rain is predicted for the coming one to two weeks so we encourage consent holders to continue to be vigilant and be mindful of their water use,” said Horizons group manager strategy and regulation, Dr Nic Peet.

“River levels are continuing to drop rapidly and with no foreseeable improvement it is expected that further restrictions will come into force over the next few weeks,

“Water takes which provide safe drinking water for people and for stock water will continue to be the priority and we are grateful to water users across the region for their efforts to reduce use and their adherence to abstraction conditions,

“Horizons is working closely with Federated Farmers, and district and city councils as conditions get more difficult.”

The hot, dry weather also means that from midnight this Friday 23 January, fire restrictions will be in place for the Rangitikei, Horowhenua and Manawatu districts.

Several of the other districts within the Region are already in a restricted fire season or very close to putting in restrictions so principal rural fire officer for Horizons, Paul Chaffe encourages people to check their city or district council website for details.

“Fire restrictions mean that no fires are to be lit in the open air without a permit except for barbeques and properly constructed incinerators,

“All permit requests can be made by calling your local council office who will clarify the criteria for the issuing of permits. For the Rangitikei, Horowhenua and Manawatu Districts, permits will only be issued for essential fires consisting of light fuels with short burn durations such as crop stubble.”

For up to date information on water restrictions visit Horizons website www.horizons.govt.nz. Consent holders are encouraged to check the data on the website regularly and if a consent holder is concerned about water restrictions and how it affects them, they can call Horizons on 0508 800 800.

There are some water restrictions currently in place at the following locations until further notice:

- Hautapu at Alabasters

- Makakahi at Hamua

- Makotuku at SH49A

- Manawatu at Hopelands

- Manawatu at Teachers College

- Manawatu at Upper Gorge

- Manawatu at Weber Road

- Mangapapa at Troup Road

- Mangatainoka at Pahiatua Town Bridge

- Mangawhero at Pakahi Road Bridge

- Rangitikei at Pukeokahu

- Raparapawai at Jackson Road

- Tamaki at Stephensons

- Tamaki at Water supply Weir

- Whanganui at Te Maire

ENDS

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