Masterton residents asked to conserve water as river levels drop
Masterton residents are being asked to only use handheld hoses as the district’s rivers drop to low levels.
The Waingawa River supplies Masterton’s water. Its flow rate has dropped below 1,300 litres per second – a significant reduction from normal flow.
Masterton District Council begins looking at water conservation measures when the river drops below 1,900 litres per second.
Assets and Operations Manager David Hopman says the river level dropped extremely fast.
“Normally we would be asking people to only use sprinklers on alternate days before we switch to handheld hoses only,” Mr Hopman said.
“October is very early for our district’s rivers to drop to this level. However, we are hoping that forecast rain will provide some reprieve over the next week.”
Mr Hopman says the way water restrictions are initiated has changed slightly this year and residents should be prepared for the potential of a total watering ban.
“We’ve worked with the Greater Wellington Regional Council to manage Masterton’s water consumption in line with maintaining the health of our rivers.
“For the first time our water restrictions are directly tied to the level of water in our rivers,” Mr Hopman said.
“It means that if the rivers get below a certain level over a sustained period, we will be asking residents not to water their garden, either with sprinklers or handheld hoses.”
People can find out the current water restriction rating online at www.mstn.govt.nz... or in Saturday’s Wairarapa Times Age. There is also a water restriction rating meter in central Masterton, on the corner of Hope and Chapel Streets.
Riddle Me This, Neighbours! Bet You Can’t Guess It!
Sometimes narrow, sometimes wide, wind or rain, I stay outside.
Even if there’s heat or snow, from house to house I will still go.
What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
-
4.7% Second half of November
-
41.7% 1st December
-
17.2% A week before Christmas
-
35% Whenever you wish
-
1.4% Other - I'll share below
Managatainoka Motors: Vintage and Classic Day – THIS Sunday, 24th November!
Get ready to rev your engines and shine up those chrome bumpers because it’s time for a celebration of all things vintage and classic! Gather your car-loving pals and join Tui Brewery for a day filled with nostalgia, camaraderie, and a whole lot of horsepower!
For just $10 , you can register your vehicle and have a shot at some incredible prizes, including the grand prize of a $500 Tui Voucher for the coveted Star of the Show!
9am - 5pm at Tui Brewery, Mangatainoka, Pahiatua.
Loading…
