Tuesday 18 February 2015

Water restrictions start in Akaroa

Water restrictions for the Akaroa community and visiting holidaymakers start on Saturday 5 December.

The level one restrictions will mean people with odd-numbered street addresses can water their gardens on odd-numbered days, and those with even-numbered street addresses can water on even-numbered days.

Council City Water and Waste Acting Unit Manager Tim Joyce says with holidaymakers heading to Akaroa over summer, a strain is placed on the town's stream-fed water supply.

"Although we've just commissioned a new water treatment facility in Akaroa and Takamatua, which gives additional storage for peak times, predictions are that summer will be hot and dry so demand for water could be high," Mr Joyce says.

"The streams which feed into the treatment facility are likely to have less water, which will make it difficult to draw on those sources. For this reason, it is helpful if people do conserve water as much as possible," he says.

"People visiting Akaroa and local residents all need to be aware of the restrictions, be responsible and conserve water as much as possible to prevent further restrictions being imposed," Mr Joyce says.

Water restrictions in Akaroa are likely to be lifted in March or April 2013, as visitor numbers decrease and cooler weather returns.

The water restrictions apply to Akaroa, but Banks Peninsula residents and visitors are also asked to conserve water and be mindful of water use when washing cars and boats, and irrigating gardens.

Mr Joyce says the Council is monitoring water levels on Banks Peninsula and any changes will be advertised on signs in Akaroa, through public notices in the Akaroa Mail and the Christchurch Press and on the Council's website.

- ends -

© Scoop Media