View the current water flow and levels using our online maps
Current Status - Status 2
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
- decreased water quality and increased water temperatures
- impacts on the health of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems;
- soil moisture deficits which cause a decline in pasture and crop growth and a subsequent deterioration in stock condition
- loss of productivity and animal welfare issues in the agricultural sector;
- impacts on productivity of industrial operations as they use water for processing and cooling as well as for waste management
- additional treatment of drinking water supplies to ensure a standard is maintained
- the wider public facing restrictions on their general water use especially water for washing cars and watering gardens.
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.
