With the El Nino weather pattern dominating summer and causing declining flows in the stockwater network, Council is providing regular updates for stockwater users.

24 January 2024

Council’s stockwater network remains under considerable pressure with ongoing low flows at our intake sources.  While the rain over the last day or so has provided some reprieve, it could be short lived and until reasonable rains are received in the foothills we assume the low flows will be ongoing.

The Mt Somers area is of concern at this time given the low flows in Stoney Creek, which has also seen water restrictions put in place for the Mt Somers township.

We remind customers that while we will endeavour to keep water flowing across the network, this is not always possible and more so at this time.

Please do your part by ensuring that all race/s that cross your property are clean of weed and debris and check that culverts are not blocked.

Stockwater is for stock use only, it must not be used for any type of irrigation or keeping ponds full for ducks or fish as these are not permitted under Council’s Water Race Bylaw.

All stockwater users should have an alternative supply in place/available should the water not be sufficient to make it all the way across the network.

We recommend that stock be moved to other paddocks with a water supply available, if you have an irrigation scheme on your property you use of some of that water for stock or alternatively you tanker water to your stock.  A cheap and simple method is to collect rainwater from a shed roof into a larger storage tank from which a smaller mobile tank can be filled.  This mobile tank can then be moved to a paddock and set up with a trough to provide water.

If you have a storage tank on your property that needs water, many of the local contractors in the district have water tankers that they can use to supply water for your stock to your tank at a reasonable cost.

If you require potable (safe) drinking water for use in your house, contact Ashburton Contracting Ltd as they have a certified tanker for this.

Please ensure that all issues with the stockwater network must be reported via Council’s 03 307 7700 24/7 phone number.  Do not contact rangers directly; if they are not on call or are on leave, they will not be checking their phones and messages may not be received in a timely manner.

A special text alert system has been set up so people can receive stockwater updates in the event of sudden changes – text STOCK to 4196 to receive these free alerts.