Ashburton District Council is reminding landowners to ensure irrigators are not spraying water onto nearby roads as the summer season gets underway in Mid Canterbury.

Infrastructure Services Group Manager Neil McCann said water was a key enemy of roads, and irrigators spraying onto sealed and unsealed surfaces caused damage.

“Water in the pavement plays a large role in the formation of potholes and we are already working hard to fix a lot of potholes caused by the May flood event, without having extra damage caused by irrigators.

“Water from irrigators is also a road safety issue, as an unexpected spray of water would surprise drivers and motorcyclists, and the sudden wet surface can be a dangerous hazard .”

Warnings will be given to property owners where irrigation is reported on roads and repeat offenders can be fined $500.

The cost of repairs to damaged roads can also be passed on to offenders.