The Central Otago District Council has advised that water restrictions will continue to apply for the Māniatoto, including Naseby and Omakau/Ophir.

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) wants consent holders to learn about the newly implemented alert system and remain within their low river flow consent conditions. 

“We want catchment groups to continue their great efforts to share water efficiently,” OCR regulatory acting general manager Joanna Gilroy said.

“Catchment groups who experience traditional low flows every year are already very good at this, and we praise their efforts.

“We encourage all water users across the region to continue to use water efficiently.”

 The regulatory body is taking compliance action where appropriate to reinforce rules around water takes.

The weather appears to be changing, moving away from northerly to west/southwest winds, which will likely bring more rain to Otago. 

Farmers are hopeful the forecast is accurate as most rely on the feed produced by autumnal rain to get stock through the winter.

Follow this link to keep updated with conditions and OCR alerts.