The influx of visitors extends the water capacity of the Far North to a breaking point

By RNZ

People in the Far North are being told to cut water use immediately due to unprecedented demand.

The district council says that a water treatment plant in Paihia now operates 24 hours a day and that the storage tanks are not being filled to their maximum capacity.

Still, storage tanks that are typically refilled overnight are not reaching capacity, with one tank reaching 62% capacity last night.

Mayor John Carter said the demand for water at Bay of Islands vacation spots had broken records as there has been a large influx of visitors to the area.

“The city council wants to do everything it can to support our tourism industry. However, we simply cannot produce enough water to meet current demand, so I ask everyone to immediately reduce their water use during the holiday period so that we avoid the need for water restrictions, “Carter said.

He’s urging locals and tourists to flush their toilets less and take shorter showers.

Residents and visitors to the area are asked to immediately report any water leaks by calling the city hall on 0800 920 029.

“Water pipes break more often when we have very dry soil conditions, as we do now. Contractors have already repaired two major water leaks in the Waitangi area, but we need your help to quickly identify leaks to prevent more. water leaks, “Carter said.

– RNZ