Wellington water restrictions stay at Level 2, with a warning

Thursday, 29 February 2024

River levels are dropping but Wellingtonians have again saved enough water to remain at Level 2.

That is good news for the region, which has been under the threat of tougher water restrictions and the potential for some areas to run out of water since before Christmas.

The region is currently losing about 45 per cent of its drinking water to leaks. Level 2 means a ban on irrigation and sprinklers, and gardens only being hand-watered.

However, Wellington Water is still reminding residents that “there remains a real chance of of moving to level three” and efforts to save water must continue.

Last week, it estimated the chance of moving to Level 3 as 43% and to Level 4 at 17% and this week the risk level remains unchanged. Level 3 restrictions include a total ban on residential outdoor use, and residents would be encouraged to take shorter showers and only do full loads of laundry.

The only significant rain forecast by the MetService over the next week is on Monday. Wellington Water warned that on hot days, demand can increase by up to 10 million litres. “If demand increases, we may trigger Level 3 - and need to move quickly.”

Although remaining at current levels is a piece of good news, it is not so good for Kāpiti residents.

A red alert level warning for toxic algae is in place for a section of the Waikanae River.

Greater Wellington senior advisor integration and insights Penny Fairbrother says there are moderate amounts of toxic algae in the river, including detached algal mats.

“Detached mats pose the greatest risk to people and pets. We strongly advise everyone to avoid contact with water, and for dog walkers to avoid walking near the river at the old State Highway 1” says Fairbrother.

“Even a very small amount of toxic algae, the size of a 50 cent coin, is enough to kill a dog.”