22 Mar 2019

Water rationed in Mataura and Gore as dry weather continues

12:17 pm on 22 March 2019

More water restrictions have been imposed in the Gore District, as levels in the town's main water supply continue to drop.

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Dry weather has left little water available for Gore residents to use in their gardens. Photo: 123rf

Mataura residents will be under level two water restrictions as the Pleura Dam struggles to keep up with demand, joining Gore residents who have been subject to the restrictions since early February.

The restrictions mean people can only water their vegetable gardens at specific times, and activities such as cleaning cars or watering flower gardens can only be done with a hand-held hose or a bucket.

Three Waters asset manager Matt Bayliss said the council might start pumping water from the Waikana Stream to supplement the supply in the next few days.

Dry weather has seen water levels drop in Mataura River and Cooper's Wells, which draw water from an aquifer influenced by river levels.