Summer low river flows and restrictions

Horizons Regional Council’s extensive data network monitors rainfall and river levels throughout the region.

The current low river flows across the region are not unusual for this time of year, however it is a timely reminder for water take consent holders to regularly monitor the river flow information and restriction requirements on the Horizons’ website.

Horizons has a close relationship with the region’s Rural Community via the Manawatu-Wanganui Rural Coordination Group and will be working with the group moving forward to keep them informed of the developing situation.

Horizons reminds all water take consent holders to comply with the conditions of their consents and to check the expiry dates.

Water takes for uses other than domestic and stock drinking water supplies are generally required to stop taking or reduce when the river is below minimum flow. This can also apply to groundwater abstractions that are connected to rivers (riparian takes).

Domestic and stock drinking water supplies are essential and can continue below minimum flows in accordance with consent conditions;

• Check and understand your individual resource consent conditions – contact Horizons if you’re unclear on what they mean;
• Irrigation consultants can give you advice on designing and operating your irrigation system to ensure you are in the best position for the summer season;
• Use Horizons’ website to help you manage your abstractions as river flows change over the summer – register for WaterMatters to view your telemetered water use data and other information relevant to your specific consent. 
• A Low Flow Restrictions Summary table can be found on Horizons website, indicating where restrictions are already in place as well as those nearing restriction levels, and the number of consent holders restrictions may affect. 
• Members of the public are also asked to adhere to any water restrictions their city and district councils put in place.