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Low water levels

View the current water flow and levels using our online maps

Current Status - Status 1

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.

Water restriction information from your local council

Useful links

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:

Under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) Environment Southland has responsibility for managing the adverse effects of water use. Environment Southland’s regional planning documents contain polices, rules and methods to manage pressures on the region’s water resources.

In times of serious water shortages, the RMA allows additional restrictions to be placed on permitted and consented uses through issuing water shortage directions.

Environment Southland also maintains a standard operating procedure for actions during a water shortage, from business-as-usual operations through to issuing a water shortage direction (Status 1 through to Status 4).

Each territorial authority must comply with Environment Southland’s regulations by putting restrictions in place when there is a water shortage. Those restrictions vary from area to area and are phased through levels as the water shortage becomes more pressing.

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