With the MetService forecasting a dry summer, Whakatāne District Council is raising awareness of the likely need for water conservation in Whakatāne and Ōhope.

Manager 3 Waters Operations Gareth Phillips 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 2016, 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 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.

"The river flow has fallen to less than 13 cubic metres per second, and we're now encountering salinity at the treatment station. We will be commissioning our emergency intake, which is about a kilometre further upstream, to maintain our raw water intake capacity. However, the extension can’t deliver the full volume of water we need to keep our reservoirs full when usage is high. To ensure that we always have enough storage to meet fire-fighting and community needs, we therefore need Ōhope and Whakatāne residents to voluntarily reduce their water use."

Mr Phillips says a storage buffer of between 75 and 85 percent of reservoir capacity is required, and the more water the community saves through voluntary measures, the less likely it will be that formal restrictions will be needed.

Some simple tips for reducing household consumption: 

• 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.

"When we were confronted by a similar scenario last summer, the community response was extremely helpful," Mr Phillips concludes. "We are still investigating 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."