Water restrictions

Water restrictions are now in force for users on the Lake Hayes Scheme, and roadside signs have been installed to inform residents. The restrictions apply to residents of Lake Hayes Estate, Ladies Mile, the Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Rd and Speargrass Flat Rd.

Water, specifically volumetric charging for water and "districtisation" of charges, has been a main issue for Central Otago residents in the district council's long-term plan.

Proposed rural water regulation changes are too "aggressive", "unachievable", "inflexible" and could end farming, forestry and horticulture as the region knows it, some of its opposers say.

Residents connected to the Lake Hayes water scheme are being credited for conserving water over recent weeks but have been reminded water restrictions are still in place.

Watering restrictions for Hawea, Arthurs Point and the Lake Hayes Scheme can now be lifted, Queenstown Lakes District Council three watersmanager Gerry Essenberg said.

Irrigation restrictions have been imposed in Lake Hayes, Arthur's Point and Hawea in a bid to conserve reservoir levels and maintain firefighting storage.

The Clutha District Council has imposed summer water restrictions which apply across the region.

Farmers wanting more water for irrigation from the upper Waitaki catchment are working through issues associated with 110 resource consent applications, but the process is taking longer than expected.

Canterbury farmers, and those in the Waitaki Valley, have been warned to check about water restrictions as the new irrigation season begins.

Alexandra, Clyde and Omakau residents will get a greater allocation of water this year than they first thought, after the Vincent Community Board took into account opposition to the planned reduced levels.