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Water Shortage Status

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We use four levels to describe our response to a water shortage situation.

Status 1

Business As Usual

Rivers, groundwater and rainfall within expected range. No issues of concern.

  • Business as usual, normal review of data from Environment Southland’s monitoring network

Status 2

Water Shortage Watch

Monitoring and forecasting indicate that there is potential for water levels to recede to the point that normal use of water may impact environmental health.

  • Environment Southland’s Water Shortage Advisory Team will actively monitor the water situation
  • Work closely with Teritorial Authorities and Te Ao Marama Inc
  • Increased assessments of river, soil moisture and groundwater state, and analysis of short and long-range weather forecasts
  • Monitoring results will be publicised
  • Key stakeholders and water user groups will be contacted and advised

Status 3

Water Shortage Warning

Water levels have reached levels which may impact environmental health. Consented limits or restrictions have been reached. Water levels have reached levels where additional voluntary action is required to conserve river and groundwater levels.

  • Increased communication of situation and reinforcement of importance of water conservation measures
  • Increased assessments of river, soil moisture and groundwater state to define the magnitude of water shortage and ensure any possible restrictions are appropriate
  • Convene subject matter expert meetings to evaluate all available information and concern
  • Define catchments/waterbodies of interest
  • Specifically inform consent holders, iwi/ hapū, Councillors, stakeholders, local authorities of water shortage event and possible water restrictions

Status 4

Water Shortage Restriction

Water levels have reached critical levels and regulatory action is required to reduce use in order to protect the health of our rivers and groundwater.

  • Water Shortage Manager at Environment Southland issues a water shortage direction
  • As far as possible and practical, inform affected consent holders, iwi/hapū, Councillors and stakeholders prior to issuing a Water Shortage Direction – aim to give a 72 hour prior warning before the Water Shortage Direction is issued
  • Additional monitoring of compliance with water shortage direction
  • Direct communication with those affected by a water shortage direction
  • General communication with public about water shortage direction and water conservation messages
  • Daily monitoring of the water situation and of compliance with Water Shortage Direction
  • Decision to cancel or reissue to be reviewed by Water Shortage Advisory team
  • Water Shortage Manager to review Water Shortage Direction at least every 14 days.
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