Water Shortage Direction review decision

After a review today, Environment Southland has decided to keep the Water Shortage Direction in place until at least Monday, 11 April.

The much needed rainfall over the past two days has provided respite for Southland’s rivers and aquifers but many remain at low or very low levels.

Environment Southland chief executive Rob Phillips said it was still too early to determine the full impacts of the recent rainfall.

“We need to take time to confirm the impact the recent rain has had and secure a healthy long-term position for our rivers and aquifers,” Mr Phillips said.

Keeping the Direction in place also gives Environment Southland the ability to assess the timing and intensity of an incoming weather system predicted for late Tuesday or early Wednesday next week.

Weather models for the next month are generally predicting ongoing lower than normal rainfall.

“Maintaining community water supplies is critical, particularly significant is the Ōreti River catchment which is the source of water for Invercargill and a number of major industries,” Mr Phillips said.

“The long-term effects of this drought are likely to be felt by many farmers over the winter, and into spring. We continue to work with industry groups and others to find ways of supporting Southland farmers.”

The Water Shortage Direction currently allows for irrigation in the whole of the Mataura catchment, and allows for irrigation from the less connected and confined aquifers in the region. The Direction does not relate to irrigation from a storage pond or dam, or the spreading of effluent.

Ministers visit

Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor and Associate Minister of Agriculture Meka Whaitiri visited Environment Southland today for an update on the water shortage situation.

They met with councillors, the Mayoral Forum and stakeholders to discuss issues in the region, in particular pressures on industry and stock.

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