Tuesday 12 January 1999

Water use must decline

Hosing bans may be necessary if residents do not reduce water use immediately, according to water staff at the Christchurch City Council.

Information from the Canterbury Regional Council shows that well levels are lower than at the same time last year despite people using less water this summer.

"It is vital that residents conserve as much water as possible or hosing bans may be necessary," said Allan Watson, Water Services Manager. "We appreciate the restraint already being shown by residents, but we must reduce water use as well levels at some of the City's key pump-stations are getting close to the point where the flow to some pumps is not adequate for the pump stations to run at full capacity," he said.

The wells concerned are spread across the City and because of the way the water supply works there are no areas that can be isolated for particular shortages.

Factors contributing to the shortage include significant numbers of people returning from holiday at the same time responding to the current hot dry weather, combined with poor recharge over the winter months.

 

City Water consumption

December 1997 5,991,221 cubic metres

 

December 1998 5,309,887 cubic metres

 

For further information contact:

Allan Watson 371-1303

Water Services Manager

Eric van Toor 371-1980

Planning Engineer

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