Low water levels
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Managing and conserving water in both urban and rural areas is key when water levels are low.
You can find more information and resources here:
View the current water flow and levels using our online maps
Southland's temperate climate means the region has an abundance of lush native forests, waterbodies, diverse wetland ecosystems and productive farmland. However, water shortages are a normal part of Southland's weather patterns and the region's water resources face pressure from factors such as changing climatic conditions and an increase in water takes. We use four levels to describe our response to a water shortage situation - click here to view these.
Water shortages can affect the environment, agricultural sector, economy and wider society.
For example, decreased water quantity can result in
Under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) Environment Southland has the responsibility to manage the adverse effects of water resource use. Environment Southland's regional planning documents contain polices, rules and methods to manage these pressures.
Resource consents have conditions related to water flows and levels, with cutoffs included when these are low, in both rivers and groundwater.
NIWA provides regular three-monthly forecasting. In the recent forecast for January to March 2024, NIWA has stated that El Niño conditions continued during December and there is around a 100% chance of persisting through March. Although it will continue to have an important influence on Aotearoa New Zealand’s climate, unusual ocean heat in the western Pacific and on a global scale has contributed to circulation patterns that are not historically associated with El Niño. The type of El Niño being experienced will likely result in more variable rainfall patterns than experienced during strong El Niños in the past. This may be expressed by a period of heavy rain in mid-to-late January, particularly for the North Island and northern South Island.
Outlook for Southland:
Managing and conserving water in both urban and rural areas is key when water levels are low.
You can find more information and resources here: