Driest January in 70 years causing water concerns in Northland
Thursday, 31 January 2019
Northland in January had its lowest recorded rainfall for the month since 1947, and the regional council is urging residents to cut back on water usage.
Water gauges from Doubtless Bay to Whangarei recorded between 5mm to 10mm of rain, 75mm below the January average.
The dry spell doesn't look like it will come to an end soon, with MetService's four-week forecast indicating the lack of rain will continue well into February.
Northland Regional Council's Group Manager for Regulatory Services, Colin Dall said they had started imposing water restrictions in vulnerable parts of the region, urging consent holders and water users to conserve where possible.
**READ MORE:
* From water water everywhere to a possible drought
* Dry weather spells potential problems for farmers
* Long dry spell sparks Far North water restrictions**
'Unless there's significant unexpected rain soon, we will very shortly be in a position where we will need to be looking at formal water rationing and/or water shortage directions as tools for managing water takes in dry catchments.'
He said if users made a little effort now, they could save themselves a much bigger headache in the future.
The current restrictions in Northland mean users can't use sprinklers.
Common ways to reduce water consumption are: only water the garden every few days, turn the tap off when you're brushing your teeth and use the dishwasher for full loads only, according to Bewaterwise.