Level 4 water restrictions for parts of Banks Peninsula

Level 4 water restrictions are now in place for Akaroa, Takamātua and Duvauchelle on Banks Peninsula as hot weather and critically low stream flows put extra pressure on water supplies.

Level 4 restrictions are a total ban on outdoor water use. The use of hand-held hoses, unattended hoses, sprinklers, and garden irrigation systems is not allowed. Using water to fill pools or paddling pools is also not allowed.

Gardens can still be watered by collecting indoor water already used for washing vegetables, dishwashing or bathing.

Akaroa, Takamātua and Duvauchelle have been on Level 3 water restrictions since January.

A boil water notice remains in place for Akaroa and Takamātua’s shared water supply due to the recent contamination of a local reservoir.

Christchurch City Council Head of Three Waters and Waste Helen Beaumont says a spike in warmer weather combined with a drop in streams that supply drinking water to the townships has prompted the move to Level 4 restrictions.

“The streams that supply drinking water to Akaroa, Takamātua and Duvauchelle are extremely low following much lower-than-average rainfall this year,” Ms Beaumont says.

“We’re currently tankering a lot of extra water to Duvauchelle from Wainui every day because we can’t take any more from the local streams.

“We’ve increased the level of water restrictions to help maintain a reliable water supply to people living, working and visiting in the areas, and to make sure we’re complying with our resource consents to protect the streams that supply the drinking water.”

The Council has set up electronic signage to advise residents and visitors about the water restrictions.

Level 4 restrictions will remain in place until further notice.

For updates, visit ccc.govt.nz/WaterRestrictions or call 0800 800 169.