The water restrictions applying to the Whakatāne and Ōhope water schemes have been lifted as from today (Friday, 19 April).

Substantial rainfall in the Whakatane River catchment earlier this week has increased the river flow to levels well above those experienced during recent weeks. The Whakatane District Council water treatment station is now able to draw water continuously for processing and with further rain forecast, the Council is confident that there is no longer a need to ban the use of sprinklers and irrigation systems.

Council Public Affairs Manager Ross Boreham says the community’s efforts to voluntarily conserve water have been greatly appreciated. “Consumption over the past week has averaged 5,400 cubic metres a day, which is more than 20 percent less than the typical demand at this time of year. The garden watering restrictions certainly played a part, but the voluntary measures so many people took to reduce their household usage also made a huge difference and certainly helped us to manage our way through an extended period of drought.”

A decision on the reopening of the Nga Tapuwae o Toi track and the lifting of the Total Fire Ban in force throughout the District will be confirmed on Monday.