Otago Regional Council (ORC) is advising all Otago irrigators to implement conservative irrigation practices, and prepare for potential water rationing, as warm and dry weather reduces the flows in all Otago rivers.
Dry weather is predicted to prevail over the summer, potentially pushing many rivers to minimum flow levels early in the season.
The Kakanui, Shag, Taieri, Manuherikia, and Pomahaka rivers are already at low levels, not usually seen until late summer.
ORC manager environmental services Martin King said if no substantial rain fell throughout the region soon there may be a need for rationing to begin later in the month or early next year.
“All rivers except the Clutha/Mata-Au are falling towards minimum flow levels. The Manuherkia is very low, and even the Clutha is below the level we expect for this time of the year,” Mr King said.
“Farmers should be managing their irrigation very efficiently, and planning ahead in case the need for rationing arises.”
Up-to-date river level and rainfall information is available on the ORC Water Info site or by phoning 0800 426 463.