The latest data summary relevant to the Dry Weather Task Force is available here(external link).
The Dry Weather Task Force (DWTF) has operated in Tasman since the 1990s. The DWTF membership includes the various zone/scheme representatives, Fish and Game, IWI, MPI, and Rural Support.
Council’s Section S329 (Water Shortage Direction) Resource Management Act provisions are used to implement water restrictions including cease takes.
The DWTF convenors who have delegated authority from Council for Section 329 convene the DWTF meetings upon advice from the Senior Water Resources Scientist.
Where there are no specified water restriction triggers or no real time data on usage, and upon advice based on a range of information (river flows/levels/rainfall/dryness/weather outlook and water usage) collected during drought events and in consultation with the DWTF, recommendations for water restrictions are considered and implemented using S329 powers. DWTF meetings are held as required and in dry periods this could be weekly. Council is also enhancing options for representatives to participate remotely for the DWTF meetings.
The general guide is a 20% cut at a one in five year (7 day) low flow. Then 35% cut at a one in 10 year (7 day) low flow. Restrictions beyond this re 50 % to cease take are based on timing, water demand and climate data outlook. In aquifers that bound the coast, salinity measurements is also undertaken to assess the need for restrictions. Some point salinity triggers are specified in the Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP), but wider coastal salinity data is also collected so coastal margin effects can be assessed and managed and restrictions considered if required based on any saltwater encroachment into the coastal margin aquifers.
To date the DWTF has worked successfully in Tasman district due to the close links between the Council decision making and water users and statutory parties.
There are already triggers that are used by the DWTF in the past that water user’s groups and parties are familiar with.
Any current news releases from the Dry Weather Task Force can be viewed from the link below.
Latest news from Tasman District Council
Here is a helpful diagram which has been developed to assist people to understand the interim provisions of the Dam and Waimea Plains.
It is a high level description only and it is important that people who are referring to the flow diagram for triggers also review their own individual Resource Consent conditions along with this document.
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