Abstraction cut-off limits reached in some parts of Southland
Posted on Wednesday, 4 January 2012 05:11 p.m.
Prolonged periods without rainfall in Southland have meant water abstraction cut-off levels have been reached in some parts of the region.
Environment Southland Scientific Officer Chris Jenkins said the cut-off limits have been exceeded on the Mataura River at Parawa and at Gore. The limits are also nearing cut-off levels on the Oreti River at Lumsden.
All consent holders should check their consent for the cut-off levels and stop abstraction if the conditions have been met, he said.
Consent holders are advised by email when conditions requiring abstraction to stop have been met but they can also check the Environment Southland website, www.es.govt.nz, for more information, Mr Jenkins said.
Compliance Technical Officer Ruth Williamson said a response group will meet tomorrow to assess the situation.
Without adequate rainfall in the near future, additional water restrictions may be imposed, she said.
In the interim water should be conserved, Mrs Williamson said.
No further updates will be provided tonight, but more information will be available tomorrow.
Environment Southland is the brand name of Southland Regional Council.