Watching brief on South Taranaki as dry conditions continue

The environmental watchdog is keeping a close eye on rainfall levels, soil moisture, river flows and climate across the region, with most of the Council’s monitoring sites recording less rain than usual over the last three months.  

Council data for the lowest rainfall sites shows Pātea recorded 61% of typical rainfall between 1 November and 31 January while the monitoring site at Glenn Road in Kaupokonui was even less with just 45% of the usual amount of rain.   

Over the last three months, rainfall in the region was 13% less than usual in November, 34% down on normal in December and also 34% less than usual in January and the dry conditions are similar to those the district experienced in November 2017 to January 2018. 

Drinking water suppliers, farmers, industry and householders are being urged to keep a watching brief on the situation and be prepared for restrictions if the dry conditions continue or get worse.   

Fred McLay, the Council’s Director – Resource Management, says a combination of the La Niña weather system which emerged at the end of last year and the impacts of climate change, which is altering rainfall patterns, means restrictions may be needed on how much water can be safely taken from rivers and streams.  

“We’re keeping a close eye on rivers and streams in the region, particularly in South Taranaki, as we have to ensure there is enough water to protect ecosystems in waterways,” says Mr McLay.  

“The lack of rain over a prolonged period means waterways are reaching the point where abstraction needs to be carefully managed. “If the low rainfall continues then further measures may be needed.”  

The warning by the Council comes amid the introduction of partial water restrictions by South Taranaki District Council on 18 January. STDC has brought in the odds and evens water use system and it urged its residents to limit non-essential water use wherever possible. New Plymouth District Council has similar restrictions in place. Most pasture irrigation has ceased.  

Mr McLay urged farmers, who aren’t yet in the riparian planting scheme, to get in touch as planting riparian areas can be extremely beneficial.  

“Waterways with riparian planting are much better at coping with the impacts low flows and increased water temperatures, so please give us a call and we can talk through how to get involved.”  

For information about the Council’s environmental data, see here(external link). For information about the riparian planting programme, see here(external link) or call 0800 736 222.