Low-flow restrictions are in place across affected areas, significant water shortages are occurring or expected in the near future, or serious weather-related impacts require an active response. A coordinated response is underway involving affected communities, water users and partner agencies.
Level 4 may also be used where a significant rainfall, flooding, or other water-related event requires immediate action and ongoing public communication. Information accompanying the alert will explain the specific situation and affected areas.
People in affected areas should:
follow current restrictions and official advice
check ORC updates frequently
act on farm, household or business contingency plans
conserve water where requested
follow instructions from emergency services or Civil Defence during an emergency
seek help early if water availability is affecting people, animals or essential operations.
ORC will issue clear and frequent updates explaining where the alert applies, what has changed and what action affected communities
Low flow conditions are occurring in one or more rivers or streams. Water users may already be subject to restrictions. Signs of water stress may be becoming more visible, and water users should take action to reduce demand and prepare for further escalation if conditions worsen.
If your area or water source is affected:
check whether restrictions apply to you
follow the conditions of your water permit
reduce non-essential water use
activate water, feed, livestock or business contingency plans
monitor river flows and ORC updates closely
contact ORC if you are uncertain about your obligations or options during this time.
ORC will communicate directly with affected water users where possible and provide more frequent public updates.
Conditions are becoming drier, some river or stream flows may be declining, and demand for water may be increasing. Restrictions may not be in place, but the likelihood of water pressure is increasing in affected areas.
People in affected catchments should:
monitor ORC and weather updates more regularly
prepare for changing water availability
use water carefully and avoid unnecessary water loss
check water storage, pumps, pipes, irrigation equipment and stock-water systems
review alternative water arrangements
be ready to put farm, business or household plans into action.
ORC will provide more targeted information for the catchments and water users most likely to be affected.
Conditions are generally within the normal seasonal range, but there may be an increased risk of dry weather or other conditions that could affect water availability later.
No immediate action is required besides being prepared. This is a good time to:
keep an eye on forecasts and local conditions
check water systems for leaks or maintenance needs to ensure water use efficiencies
understand where to find river-flow and water-restriction information
review household, business or farm plans
consider what you would do if conditions became drier.
Be prepared and stay vigilant
ORC will continue routine monitoring and provide general updates.
ORC uses four Water Alert Levels to describe changing water conditions across Otago and guide how we communicate with communities and water users. The levels move from routine monitoring through to an active response when water availability, river flows or weather conditions are having significant effects. Alert levels may differ between catchments because rainfall, river flows and water demand vary across the region.
Please note an alert level is not automatically a water restriction. If restrictions apply to a particular water take or community supply, affected people will be notified through the appropriate channels.
"Water Alert Levels" are different to the "water flow alerts" you may see on the Environmental Data Portal.
Conditions are generally within the normal seasonal range, but there may be an increased risk of dry weather or other conditions that could affect water availability later.
No immediate action is required besides being prepared. This is a good time to:
keep an eye on forecasts and local conditions
check water systems for leaks or maintenance needs to ensure water use efficiencies
understand where to find river-flow and water-restriction information
review household, business or farm plans
consider what you would do if conditions became drier.
be prepared and stay vigilant
ORC will continue routine monitoring and provide general updates.
Conditions are becoming drier, some river or stream flows may be declining, and demand for water may be increasing. Restrictions may not be in place, but the likelihood of water pressure is increasing in affected areas.
People in affected catchments should:
monitor ORC and weather updates more regularly
prepare for changing water availability
use water carefully and avoid unnecessary water loss
check water storage, pumps, pipes, irrigation equipment and stock-water systems
review alternative water arrangements
be ready to put farm, business or household plans into action.
ORC will provide more targeted information for the catchments and water users most likely to be affected.
Low flow conditions are occurring in one or more rivers or streams. Water users may already be subject to restrictions. Signs of water stress may be becoming more visible, and water users should take action to reduce demand and prepare for further escalation if conditions worsen.
If your area or water source is affected:
check whether restrictions apply to you
follow the conditions of your water permit
reduce non-essential water use
activate water, feed, livestock or business contingency plans
monitor river flows and ORC updates closely
contact ORC if you are uncertain about your obligations or options during this time.
ORC will communicate directly with affected water users where possible and provide more frequent public updates.
Low-flow restrictions are in place across affected areas, significant water shortages are occurring or expected in the near future, or serious weather-related impacts require an active response. A coordinated response is underway involving affected communities, water users and partner agencies.
Level 4 may also be used where a significant rainfall, flooding, or other water-related event requires immediate action and ongoing public communication. Information accompanying the alert will explain the specific situation and affected areas.
People in affected areas should:
follow current restrictions and official advice
check ORC updates frequently
act on farm, household or business contingency plans
conserve water where requested
follow instructions from emergency services or Civil Defence during an emergency
seek help early if water availability is affecting people, animals or essential operations.
ORC will issue clear and frequent updates explaining where the alert applies, what has changed and what action affected communities
Water Alert Level | What it means | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
Level 1: Prepare | Conditions are generally within the normal seasonal range, but there may be an increased risk of dry weather or changes that could affect water availability later. | Be prepared and stay aware. Monitor forecasts, check water systems, know where to find river-flow and restriction information, and review household, business or farm plans. No immediate action is required. |
Level 2: Watch | Conditions are becoming drier, some river or stream flows may be declining, and demand for water may be increasing. Restrictions may not be in place, but pressure on water availability is increasing in affected areas. | Watch conditions and prepare for change. Check updates more regularly, use water carefully, inspect water systems, review alternative arrangements and be ready to put your plans into action. |
Level 3: Act | Low-flow conditions are occurring in one or more rivers or streams, and some water users may already be subject to restrictions. Signs of water stress may be more visible, and conditions could worsen. | Check and act now. Find out whether restrictions apply to you, follow your water permit conditions, reduce non-essential water use, activate contingency plans and monitor ORC updates closely. Contact ORC if you are unsure about your obligations or options. |
Level 4: Respond | Low-flow restrictions are in place across affected areas, significant water shortages are occurring or expected soon, or serious weather-related impacts require an active response. This level may also apply during significant rainfall, flooding or another water-related event requiring immediate action. | Follow current advice and respond. Check updates frequently, comply with restrictions, conserve water where requested, activate contingency plans and follow instructions from emergency services or Civil Defence. Seek help early if people, animals or essential operations are affected. |