Central Otago water permit holders along the Maniototo section of the Taieri River have been required to stop taking water to comply with their consent conditions.

The Taieri River is one of many rivers throughout the Otago region experiencing low water flows due to the ongoing dry conditions.

The NIWA forecast for the next five weeks is for Otago’s weather to be dryer than in previous years, Otago Regional Council (ORC) compliance manager Tami Sargeant said.

“Rivers throughout Otago are running low and we need people to conserve water and use water efficiently, if they are taking water from rivers, lakes or streams,” she said.

The OCR encourages rural and urban water users to use their water resources more efficiently.

Stock enduring dry conditions in Central Otago

“Farmers should be implementing ‘good practices’’ around irrigation by irrigating when it is cooler, using water-efficient irrigators, and ensuring that the depth of water application is correct for the root zone of the crop being grown,” Tami said.

She highlighted that the current low river flows and high temperatures could increase the likelihood of toxic algae forming along riverbanks, which can be deadly to some animals.

There have been reports in Otago and Southland of toxic algae, which has claimed the lives of at least three dogs and could be involved in the recent death of a number of ducks.

Find information on water flows via the ORC Flowphone (0800 426 463) or here.