Under level 2 restrictions sprinklers and irrigation systems are banned. Photo: 123rf
Water restrictions imposed in some Far North towns due to drought are ironically being extended due to recent heavy rain.
As of Monday all restrictions on water use had been lifted in Kerikeri, Kaitāia, Kaikohe and Ōkaihau, but in Paihia, Ōpua, Kawakawa and Moerewa, level 2 restrictions would remain in place.
A spokesperson for the Far North District Council said that was because heavy rain, including from ex-tropical Cyclone Tam, had affected water quality in key sources such as Waitangi River.
In Ōpononi, Ōmāpere and Rāwene, where strict level 3 restrictions had been in place since mid-January, restrictions had been eased to level 2 from Monday.
Under level 2, the use of sprinklers and irrigation systems were banned.
With more heavy rain forecast across the Far North on Tuesday, it was unlikely there would be much need for irrigation in coming days.
