Rain fills Auckland’s dams, but hose ban remains in effect

By RNZ

Auckland’s water reservoirs have exceeded 66% of their capacity, but water restrictions remain in place.

At this time of year, dams in the Hūnua and Waitākere ranges are typically 88% full, so they are currently 22% below normal levels.

The latest Watercare update shows that Aucklanders’ water use is well below the daily target of 405 million liters set by Watercare during a severe drought last summer.

Yesterday Auckland residents used 377 million liters, while the seven-day moving average is 372 million liters.

The Hūnua Ranges have had 68.5mm of rain in the past seven days, while 77.5mm of rain fell on the Waitākere Ranges.

Despite the improvements, the water restrictions imposed in May remain in effect.

Residential users cannot use outdoor hoses or water jets connected to the metropolitan water supply.

Businesses can only use outdoor hoses and water jets connected to the main supply for emergencies, and car washes can only operate if they use recycled water.

Commercial users also cannot water plants, paddocks or sports fields unless the irrigation system is equipped with soil moisture or rain sensors.

The restrictions do not apply to some rural municipalities in the region with local water sources.

Auckland is currently at Covid-19 Alert Level 3, so Watercare asks people to continue to wash their hands carefully, but to turn off the tap while soaping up.

The region faced its worst drought on record between November last year and May this year, with 40% less rainfall than normal.

Earlier this month, Watercare CEO Raveen Jaduram, who had a salary of $ 780,000, resigned.