Despite the recent rain the need for Renwick residents to conserve water remains.

Council’s Operations and Maintenance Engineer Stephen Rooney says that while the weekend’s cool, wet weather brought some welcome relief, continued vigilance is necessary.

“Today’s river flow in the Wairau River increased by 4.0 cubic metres per second thanks to the rain but it was only peaking at 8.0 cubic metres per second at midday today. To have a real impact on aquifer levels, river flows need to be in excess of 50 cubic metres per second. Unfortunately we are nowhere near that.

“It’s important people continue saving water, especially on hot evenings. With more hot weather forecast for this week, it’s likely further cutbacks at the pumps are on the cards,” Stephen says.

There was 70 to 90 mm of rainfall recorded across the Picton area. It’s impact to the Picton water supply and water restrictions will be evaluated in the next couple of days. Once the longer term impact is known Council will review the need for water restrictions.

On the up side, the rain has resulted in the opening of some of Picton’s tracks. Victoria Domain’s access road and upper tracks, and the Tirohanga Track will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday 26 February. The Queen Charlotte Track will reopen, and the diversion on the Link Pathway will also be lifted from 6.00 am tomorrow.

Unfortunately only 5 millimetres of rain was recorded on the upper tracks of the Wither Hills Farm Park so these tracks will remain closed to the public for the time being.

For further information visit: https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/services/utilities/water-supplies/renwick-water-supply-and-reticulation

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