As caution around water use escalates during the current dry spell, Carterton residents are sitting relatively pretty in comparison to other areas in the region.
A Carterton District Council [CDC] spokesperson said that, for now, the council is comfortable remaining at the current level of restrictions, which is handheld hoses on alternate days.
However, the spokesperson was quick to note that water levels are continuously reviewed as summer progresses.
“The hard work we put into upgrading our water infrastructure in 2023 has already paid off, as we have the ability to supply urban drinking water at a rate of 75 litres per second,” the spokesperson said.
“Even at peak demands this summer, the maximum rate the water is being drawn at is 50 litres per second.
“This is evidence the upgrades are working successfully.”
Carterton loses 16 per cent of water from leaks, compared to 46 per cent in South Wairarapa and 32 per cent in Masterton.
The Carterton district’s water is supplied via three bores, with the Kaipaitangata Stream as a backup.
The spokesperson noted that the council’s new two million litre tanks store emergency drinking water, should it be required.
“The potable water storage tanks are not designed to prevent water restrictions, as restrictions are part of our consent conditions with GWRC for taking water when water levels remain low,” they said.
“There is also the potential for our local firefighters to draw their water directly from these tanks, which will take pressure off draining our bores during a large fire.”
CDC water usage is measured in cubic metres, and the spokesperson said the community is generally advised to stay under 2500, although usage up to 3000 generally doesn’t warrant concern.
For January 7, 8, and 9 the usage tracked was 2930, 2897 and 3022 cubic metres.
CDC is currently running a draw that gives residents who are Gold Card or community services cardholders the chance to win a 200L water tank.
So far 15 water tanks have been given away, with a further 15 to go before the draw finishes at the end of the month.
With all the money 💰 councils get from there rate payers they are unable to fix water leaks?. When rural rate payers get water leaks they pay to get them fixed 🙄 asap 🙄?. It’s called getting your priorities in order 🙄 and having new subdivisions going on in urban areas with councils approval doesn’t put more strain on the water system 🙄. What dysfunctional councils we have I mean the CEOS and MANAGERS who run them 🙄.