Those with Water Tanks May be at Risk
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Auckland Council is urging householders with rainwater tanks to conserve water for the dry summer, despite a wet start to the New Year.
“The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) advises we are in the middle of an El Nino weather cycle, with a high (45 per cent) chance that January – March 2016 rainfall will be below normal for the north of the North Island,” says Civil Defence and Emergency management director, John Dragicevich.
“It’s therefore important for residents with rain water tanks not to get complacent just because the rain has been plentiful so far,” he says.
“Check your water tank frequently to ensure you can bring in water before your tank runs dry.”
Homes at greatest risk include holiday homes with visitors who tend to be less aware of the need to conserve water, and permanent residents who may think the wetter New Year means they will have plenty of water to last for the rest of summer.
“Residents in homes that have run out of water often resort to council facilities for their ablutions and cleaning, putting additional stress on these facilities,” says John Dragicevich.
Areas that have rain tanks include rural areas on the edges of the city.
When the Times contacted John Burhill, of John’s Farmlet Services that provides household water delivery services to the residents of Flat Bush, Whitford, Beachlands and Maraetai beach and Pohutukawa Coast residents, he commented saying:
“Obviously people should heed Civil Defence Warnings, however we specialise in providing excellent prompt water delivery and associated services for the households who find themselves in need.
“Personally, I know slowing down the turnover of fresh water in tanks creates other more serious issues i.e. bacteria build up in sun heated tanks and downpipe systems in turn causing tummy aches, heating of organic build up in bottom of tanks causing water to become putrid in taste and smell,” he pointed out.
“Healthy water systems rely on frequent turnover of water whether from the heavens or from a professional Ministry of Health registered water provider like myself.
“In rural areas buying in the odd load of potable water is often the price paid for nice hot dry weather.”
Top tips for conserving water
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