We monitor and manage the taking of water from the region’s rivers, streams, lakes and aquifers, to ensure that water is used efficiently and that our waterways are well cared-for.
Climate change is bringing hotter, drier summers to our region, and our natural water sources are already showing signs of stress. Flow levels in some western Bay of Plenty streams dropped to record lows in March – May 2020, following several months of exceptionally dry weather. In addition, a large area of the region to the west and north of Rotorua experienced very low flows through the first half of 2021 which continued on until mid-2022.
We all need to forward-plan and reduce water use where we can, to keep our local waterways, wildlife, and people’s lives and livelihoods healthy, now and in the future.
Regional plan rules and consent conditions are in place to keep waterways healthy under usual weather conditions.
In exceptional circumstances, regional councils can also put temporary extra water use restrictions in place where needed to protect waterways from environmental harm. These take the form of a Water Shortage Direction (WSD) under s.329 of the Resource Management Act.
Current situationLatest update: 3 November 2022 |
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Water Shortage Standard Operating Procedure (July 2021)
The following Levels can be in place for the whole of the Bay of Plenty, or only apply to certain Focus Zones. Focus Zones can refer to specific waterbodies, whole catchments, multiple catchments, or districts. The Focus Zones will always be identified via a Focus Zone map.
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No water shortage concernsStreams, groundwater and rainfall within expected range. No issues of concern.
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Reducing water availabilityLower than expected levels of any of the following occurring: rainfall, stream flows, groundwater and/or soil moisture.
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Impending water shortageAny or all of the following occurring: continued reduction in stream flows and/or groundwater levels, lack of rainfall i.e. growing risk to waterway health.
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Water shortage eventLow flow and/or drought conditions affecting waterways i.e. risk to waterway health
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