Minimum flow levels threatening as Otago rivers dry up

Most Otago rivers are dropping quickly and some are likely to reach their minimum flow levels in the next week or two, prompting a warning from the Otago Regional Council (ORC) for consent holders to conserve water.

ORC is monitoring all Otago rivers and is concerned for the Kakanui, Shag and Waianakarua rivers in North Otago, and the Pomahaka and Waipahi rivers in South Otago, which will come under pressure if there is no rain soon.

ORC manager environmental services Martin King said if the dry conditions continued consent holders would have to abide by the minimum flow regimes, until rainfall replenished the river.

In the Kakanui, water could still be taken under primary allocations, however, invoking of supplementary takes has been suspended until further notice.

Mr King said limits were being invoked as a safeguard against prolonged dry conditions, and to ensure water resources were managed carefully.

Further detailed information is available on the Water Info section of the ORC website (www.orc.govt.nz).

Mr King said ORC staff were monitoring the situation closely to ensure farmers, irrigation groups, and territorial authorities comply with the effects of the dry conditions on water allocation limits.

“The crunch time will come around mid to late January, if we haven’t had any significant rainfall by then,” he said.

For more information contact

Martin King
ORC manager environmental services
Ph 03 474 0827 or 0800 474 082