Make effort to save water

Water restrictions have been lifted in three drought-hit areas of the Far North but a hose ban remains in place in Kaikohe.

Recent rain means a ban on the use of hoses and sprinklers in Opononi/Omapere, Rawene and Kaitaia has been lifted, although Far North District Council is still urging residents to conserve water where possible.

The bore water supply at Kaikohe is so far showing little sign of recovering from the drought, so restrictions will remain in place there until ground-water levels rise and aquifers supplying the public water scheme have recovered.

Council infrastructure and assets operations manager Martin Ross said rivers and streams were recovering, but more rain was needed before the district was completely back to normal.

"It is even more important that Kaikohe residents continue to save water ... It is clearly going to take considerably more rain before we can give Kaikohe the all-clear.

Mr Ross commended communities for their co-operation during the drought.

"Their efforts reduced the daily demand for water by up to 15 per cent and that enabled us to get through the worst of the dry spell without the need to take more drastic measures," he said.

A brochure with tips on reducing household water consumption is available from the council offices or online at www.fndc.govt.nz.