Water Shortage update #4

Statement from Environment Southland chief executive Rob Phillips

Some much needed rain has fallen across Southland in the past 24 hours provide some relief to the low river levels, with smaller amounts forecast for the next two days.

Environment Southland has been evaluating the Water Shortage Direction daily, making amendments as further information and feedback has been provided. This rain will be an important factor into the full review of the Direction tomorrow.

As at 8 am today, coastal areas received 14 to 34 mm of rain. The headwaters of the Mataura received 15 to 25 mm but only about 8 mm on the Waikaia headwater. The upper Oreti has had 11 to 28 mm. The Hokonui Hills received 15 to 25 mm.

In the Te Anau basin, the Whitestone aquifer had 13 mm.

Rivers are responding slowly but we should see more movement later in the day.

Forecast

The short term forecast (MetService 8:30 am ) for today and tomorrow is Gore 6 mm, Lumsden 9 mm and Manapouri 2 mm. Invercargill has 12mm forecast over the next four days and Birchwood (Western Southland) 17 mm.

The extended forecast is for 19 mm for Invercargill from next Tuesday through to Saturday, Gore 12mm, Lumsden 25 mm, Birchwood 36 mm and Manapouri 50 mm.

For more, go to www.es.govt.nz/water-shortage

ENDS