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Aucklanders are being told to expect stronger or more frequent winds from the west this summer, which will encourage drier conditions in eastern areas and more rain in the west.
While the forecast of unseasonably warm temperatures might be great news for holidaymakers and beachgoers, it’s not so good for rural Aucklanders who don’t have access to mains water supply.
Auckland Council’s healthy waters general manager, Craig Mcilroy, says if there were lessons to be learnt from the 2019/20 drought, it is the need for rural communities to be prepared.
“As the summer rolls around, it’s a timely reminder for rural residents to think about their water supplies,” Mcilroy says
“If you’re reliant on rainwater tanks for your drinking water, check the tank levels regularly, use water wisely and book a delivery early.
“Forward planning is key to avoiding the experience of 2019/20, so it’s important to keep your eye on the ball.”
Facing the prospect of another dry summer, council has established 26 permanent community water sites around rural Auckland to help mitigate the situation and assist with future drought management should it arise.
These bollards (water refill stations) provide a back-up drinking water supply where, during water shortages, residents can collect 20 litres of water per person per day. They are available as normal drinking fountains all year round.
In the Mahurangi district, they can be found at the following locations:
- Leigh Hall, 4 Cumberland Street, Leigh
- Martins Bay Reserve, 287 Martins Bay Road, Martins Bay
- Ranfurly/Kaipara Flats Hall, 903 Kaipara Flats Road
- Sinclair Park, 34 Macky Road, Kaukapakapa
- Warkworth Town Hall, 2 Alnwick Street, Warkworth
- Wellsford Community Centre, 224 Rodney Street, Wellsford
- Whangateau Reserve, 559 Leigh Road, Whangateau
consider investing in extra tank capacity.
Auckland Council has a network of 78 rain gauges across the region which are monitored for rainfall levels. Automatic alerts for low rainfall notify the operations team to set up the bollards for bulk bottle filling, with all the sites meeting current drinking water standards.
Council says the steps rural householders can take now before they run out of
water are:
- check your water tank levels regularly
- monitor your water usage and make lifestyle changes – shorter showers
- consider the needs of livestock if they are using your rain tank supply
- find out the local water supplier, in case you need a top-up over the holidays
- plan and book water refill deliveries early
- ensure tanks are well maintained and roof guttering is free of debris
- install water-saving devices in showerheads and taps
- consider investing in extra tank capacity.
