Hawke's Bay, NZ Regional Council issues 34 water bans
Some of the 35 areas regularly gauged for summer flows are switched into ‘ban’ status as their water flows drop to pre-set low-flow limits. For example, of the seven different ban levels for the Tukituki River, five have currently been triggered and are ‘on ban’.
The forecast for the region this week looks like a possible smattering of rain on Thursday, but promises no significant rain in the immediate future.
Total bans are currently operating at: Sandy Creek, Aropaoanui River, Karamū Stream, Managateretere Stream, Karewarewa Stream, Te Waikaha Stream, Poukawa Stream, Tukipo River, Papanui Stream and Puhokio Stream.
Partial bans are operating at: Tutaekuri River, Ngaruroro River, Raupare Drain, Maraekakaho Stream, Tukituki River at Red Bridge and at Tapairu Road, Waipawa River at Waipawa SH2 and Waingongoro Stream.
Irrigation supply using the Raupare Stream is holding, due to commitments made by the Twyford Water User Group. The Raupare is being augmented from a bore at the top of the stream, combined with a programme of rationing among Twyford water users.
“This shared approach to irrigation, using a ‘global consent’ model, means fewer bans lasting for shorter periods, and was negotiated to deal with the kind of dry conditions we’re currently seeing,” says HBRC Environmental Officer Ian Lilburn.
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