Despite nearly 24mm of rain falling in Palmerston North over the last two days, Palmerston North City Council will implement level one water restrictions in the city from tomorrow.
The ongoing hot and dry weather this month has seen temperatures soar into the high 20s and only 3 recorded days of rainfall by the MetService, at the time the city council announced the restrictions.
Palmerston North City Council water asset engineer Dora Luo said the high temperatures have caused more demand for water in the city and the water level in the Turitea Dam, the city's main water source, has been dropping steadily.
"We need to conserve water by avoiding unnecessary outdoor water use and wastage," said Luo.
"The water level in the Turitea Dam has been dropping steadily due to the constant high water demand with the high temperatures. The recent rain will help dam recovery in the short term but needs to be supported by reductions in demand."
Level one water restrictions will apply to residents connected to the council's Palmerston North City, Linton, Ashhurst, Longburn and Bunnythorpe water supplies.
The restrictions mean garden sprinklers and unattended water devices may only be used during the hours of 7 pm and 9 pm on certain days.
Houses with an even street number can use sprinklers and other equivalent unattended water devices, like a soaker hose, on even days and odd numbered houses on odd days. Hand-held hoses can be used at any time on the correct odd or even day.
"We hope introducing level one restrictions at this stage may reduce the need for more severe restrictions later in the season," said Luo.
Horowhenua and Tararua districts have water restrictions already in force.
In Foxton, sprinklers may only be used during the hours of 5 am and 7 am and 7 pm and 9 pm on alternative days. Hand-held hosing is permitted at any time on the correct day, but soaker hoses are banned at all times.
Tararua District Council has imposed water restrictions on residents in Eketahuna, Pahiatua, Woodville and Norsewood.
In those towns, only hand-held hosing is permitted but at any time on the correct alternative day. Sprinklers and soaker hoses appear to be banned at all times.
As a result of the dry weather conditions, all district and city councils in the Manawatū region also have a restricted fire season in force. This means lighting of all fires must be approved with a permit.
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