The Whakatāne District Council has launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the likely need for water conservation in Whakatāne and Ōhope.

Council Infrastructure General Manager Tomasz Krawczyk says that initially, consumers connected to the Whakatāne and Ōhope Water Supply Schemes are being asked to take voluntary conservation measures, but if the current dry weather continues, it’s possible that formal water use restrictions could be introduced.

“Early in 2014, we’ll be placing signs in prominent locations in both communities to keep residents informed about the water situation and provide a visual reminder of what restriction level applies,” he explains. “Right now, we’re asking people to conserve water, but if the supply situation deteriorates, we will move to restrictions on the use of hoses and sprinklers and, if the worst comes to the worst, to a total ban on hose and sprinkler use.”

Water for both schemes is drawn from the Whakatāne River, and when the river flow is low, tidal salinity reduces the intake capacity at the town’s water treatment station.

“We have increased the pumping capacity at our emergency intake, which is about 500 metres upstream from the treatment station. However, the extension can’t deliver the full volume of water we need to keep our reservoirs full and ensure that we always have enough capacity to meet fire-fighting and community needs,” Mr Krawczyk adds. “We need to keep a storage buffer of between 75 and 85 percent of our reservoir capacity, and the more water the community saves through voluntary measures, the less likely it will be that we have to introduce the most stringent restriction level.”

A leaflet indicating how the restrictions will work, if they are required, will be delivered with water rates invoices to all Whakatāne and Ōhope water consumers this week. It includes some simple tips for reducing household consumption, including: 

• Turn taps off while you brush your teeth or peel vegetables
• Take a short shower rather than a bath
• Water gardens only in the evening or early morning
• Only wash your car if it’s really necessary
• Use the half-flush on toilets wherever possible
• Fix any leaking taps

“If restrictions are introduced, local newspapers will display a graphic illustrating the level of restrictions applying, plus other supporting information, and that will be backed up by radio coverage as required," Mr Krawczyk concludes. “When we were confronted by a similar scenario last summer, the community response was extremely helpful. We are looking at potential long-term solutions for these issues, but in the meantime, community action will determine how we cope with the effects of any potential drought.”