*Update 29/01/24 -

The Mount Somers Water Supply has lowered to Level 3 water restrictions today (29 January).

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The Mount Somers Water Supply is easing to Level 4 water restrictions today (24 January), with another review after the weekend if consumption levels remain stable.

Council is closely monitoring water use because of declining water levels at the intake to the supply and high consumption. Both have been stable in recent days and the supply has moved from Level 5 restrictions (conserve water notice) to Level 4 (a hosing ban).

Mount Somers residents are urged to sign up for free text alerts so they can keep up to date with any future changes.

Level 3 hosing restrictions came into force on 11 January and these were raised to Level 5 restrictions (conserve water notice) on 22 January.

Group Manager Infrastructure and Open Spaces Neil McCann said recent high consumption, particularly over last weekend, had caused the restrictions to be raised, but they were lowered to Level 4 this afternoon.

“We observed that some properties were consuming significantly more water than usual, and levels were dangerously low, so we had to act quickly. Council contractors knocked on doors to remind people to use water for essential activities only.

“We then saw a reduction in water use, which was really pleasing, but we can only reduce water restriction levels further if those consumption levels remain under control going forward. People should keep up with changes on our website, or text their postcode to 4196 to receive free text alerts when water restrictions change.”

Level 5 restrictions mean no non-essential water use is permitted at any time and households connected to the supply should limit their use of water to essential domestic, commercial and industrial use only.

Essential use includes drinking, washing and cooking but does not include watering plants, washing vehicles or filling pools.

At Level 4 restrictions, there is a hosing ban and people can only water gardens by hand using a bucket or watering can.

Level 3 restrictions allow hand-held hosing between 6pm and midnight on alternate days.

Mr McCann said tankers had carted loads of water to the township’s water treatment plant in early January to replenish reservoirs, after unexpected high consumption.

“We’ll be continuing to keep a close eye on things but it is up to everyone to use water wisely.”

He said work on the new Mount Somers Water Treatment Plant was on track and would raise reservoir capacity from 125 to 240 cubic metres when completed in a few months’ time.

“Our smaller Council water supplies usually come under pressure during summer when residents use more water to maintain gardens and lawns, but these supplies are not designed to accommodate watering like that.

“We ask that Mount Somers residents abide by any restrictions that are in place so that water is available to everyone and that the supply lasts.”

Council’s Long Term Plan will include proposed budget in Year 2 to investigate other sources for the Mount Somers water supply.

He said it was also a good time for property owners to check for water leaks.

“This is as simple as checking your water meter last thing at night, and then first thing in the morning, to see if any water has been used. If there has been unexpected water use, there might be a leak in the system somewhere and fixing that could save water because this hot summer is set to continue.”

Council has tips for using water wisely on its website ashburtondc.govt.nz.

Mount Somers residents can sign up for free text alerts and water advisory notices from Council by texting their post code to 4196.