Dry conditions in the Nelson region have seen authorities put in place water restrictions.
As local river levels continue to drop, Nelson City Council has confirmed water restrictions for those taking water directly from streams and wells.
- Lack of rain sees Far North continue to dry out
- Extreme weather trends put pressure on farmers to be prepared
Rivers and streams in the area have met the 'low flow trigger level' under the Resource Management Act, which signals the need for water restrictions to be introduced.
As of Thursday, January 24, residents are required to stop using water for non-essential purposes from six local rivers and streams.
The council said water may only be used for essential purposes including firefighting, drinking, watering stock and domestic washing.
However water may not be used for crop irrigation, garden watering, washing cars, houses or driveways.
It said unless there is significant rain, it may need to extend restrictions to other catchments and further restrict domestic water takes in the worst affected areas.
The restrictions only affect those Nelson residents who take their water directly from the affected rivers and streams and their adjoining wells.
A recent NIWA report identified Nelson as among areas with drier than normal soil for this time of the year.
Affected rivers and streams are:
Wakapuaka River
Teal River
Lud River
Todd Valley Stream
Poorman Valley Stream
Hillwood Stream
Newshub.
