Several townships in the Clutha District continue to be under strict water restrictions although a burst of rain on Monday has provided some relief to the dry area.
In a statement, the Clutha District Council said the two Balmoral, Glenkenich, Lawrence township, North Bruce (including Tokoiti and Waihola), Richardson North and South (including Kaka Point, South Bruce, Tapanui and Tuapeka East and West) water schemes were all still on stage 3 water restrictions.
This means hand-held watering is allowed only one day per week, between 8pm and 8am the next day. Clutha District Council service delivery group manager Jules Witt said the restrictions for all towns and water schemes would be reviewed on Friday.
"We want to see some sustained responsible water use and making sure people are heeding those messages about being responsible. If they are then we can relax them, hopefully."
Mr Witt said the council did not want to get into a situation where the higher restrictions were enforced shortly after being reduced. The real concern was the time of the year, as it was early in the summer season to be experiencing such "extreme dry conditions".
Although there was a decent amount of rain on Monday night, it was not enough to ease the restrictions.
Water saving efforts needed to continue, especially in Lawrence and Waihola.
He also commended the Tapanui community’s efforts to stick to the stage 3 restrictions. West Otago ward councillor John Herbert agreed the dry weather had increased demand but the community had done well to restrict its use.
"The most concerning thing ... is how dry it got so early . . . [this is] late February sort of weather for us. Hopefully the problem is behind us."
Stage 1 water restrictions are still in force for Balclutha, Clinton, Kaitangata, Wangaloa, Milton, Owaka and Stirling.
