Dry conditions across the Bay of Plenty region this year are causing stream flows levels to drop, before the
traditionally dry months of summer have even arrived.
Although many parts of the region are not currently experiencing low flows because of rainfall in November, some streams
are beginning to recede due to a dry December.
Catchment to the south and west of Rotorua are a particular concern because their headwaters come from the Mamaku
plateau and have not responded to November rainfall.
Streams in this area including the Puarenga, Ngongotaha, Paraiti (Mangorewa) and Waiari are very low and will be
monitored closely into the new year to see if water shortage restrictions are required.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Water Shortage Event Manager Steve Pickles urged water users to continue planning for
reduced access to water in anticipation of drier weather conditions to come.
"The rain that we had last month was welcomed but has not been enough to curb the effects of back to back dry summer
seasons.
"We are still not out of the woods and need to ensure if the dry weather continues we are not depleting our resources to
the point where environmental harm is caused."
During the heat of last year’s summer, Bay of Plenty Regional Council adopted the Water Shortage Standard Operating
Procedure to help manage dry weather events. Most parts of the Bay of Plenty can expect more of these long dry spells as the impacts of climate change are felt.
The procedure provides staff and water users more clarity around when a Water Shortage Direction would be issued if dry
weather continues.
For more information on dry weather management in the Bay of Plenty please visit the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website.