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Monday 18 January 1999 |
Key City Councillors met with Council staff today and decided against water restrictions just yet, but have warned of hosing restrictions on all but hand held hoses if the situation deteriorates.
The group assessed information that said that water use had declined well below levels of usage last week, and pumping stations were working comfortably at capacity this week. The decline in use of water was attributed both to overcast weather and also to better water use by residents.
The Councillors recommended that if high consumption levels return to their previous highs, AND if pumping stations signs of stress, operating below capacity, then severe hosing restrictions will be imposed.
The Councillors who met chair three key Council Committees, David Close (Strategy & Resources), Anna Crighton (Environmental) and Ron Wright, deputising for Denis O’Rourke (City Services). They will be ready to meet again if necessary.
One issue of concern was maintaining Christchurch’s parks and reserves if a hosing ban is introduced. It was decided to work with the Council Parks unit to assess ways to handle such a serious water restriction, but it was felt that special consideration would probably be necessary to protect the Garden City’s premier public gardens.
For further information contact:
Allan Watson 371-1303
Water Services Manager
Eric van Toor 371-1980
Planning Engineer