Rain gives rivers a much needed boost

In over the ranges at the weekend and cooler, overcast weather since has boosted coastal Otago river levels.

Before the weekend, river levels along Otago's coast, except the Clutha, had dropped to more than 70% below their weekly average and water restrictions were possible, as Dunedin's water supplies dropped.

Otago Regional Council environmental information and science director John Threlfall said the weekend rain had provided "light relief"', but North and South Otago were still dry in places, as it had been quite localised.

Last week there were low level alerts on the Taieri, Shag and Kakanui Rivers, but since the weekend the Taieri and Shag rivers had risen above the alert level.

However, those rivers and others that benefited from the rain were now starting to drop back, with the Taieri at 2.57 cumecs yesterday afternoon - its low level alert was 2.5cumecs.

The weather conditions were following National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research's (Niwa) predictions of normal or below normal rainfall on the coast, he said.

Dunedin City Council water and waste services manager John Mackie said the city's two main water sources, Deep Creek and Deep Stream, were still "holding their own" thanks to the weekend rain.

Flows at Deep Stream had dropped to the point where TrustPower was required to stop taking water, so that meant levels available for community use were being maintained, he said.

"We are monitoring the Deep Stream weir on a regular basis."

The slight recovery from the rain had been quickly absorbed into the dry catchment, but the continuing cooler, overcast weather was also helping, Mr Mackie said.

Water restrictions were always possible, as the dangerous time was January and February, so it was important people kept garden irrigation in check, he said.