About 150 properties connected to the Mount Somers drinking water supply are being reminded they are still on water restrictions, though that will change when flows at the Stoney Creek intake improve.

Group Manager Infrastructure and Open Spaces Neil McCann thanked residents for using water wisely during the restrictions.

“We’re hoping that supply levels will begin replenishing soon and will review the restrictions in another two weeks. Right now the depth of water at our intake gallery is approximately 1,000 mm, significantly lower than our comfort level of 2,000 mm.”

Level 3 restrictions for Mount Somers means normal household use, and watering of lawns and gardens is by hand-held hose only, between 6pm and midnight on assigned days (properties with frontage to Pattons Road on even dates and properties without frontage to Pattons Road on odd dates).

The township’s supply has also been supplemented by a private bore while low flows were being experienced at the intake.

Mr McCann said Council staff will continue to monitor levels at the intake.

“We have plans to futureproof the supply in the long term with money proposed in Year 2 of the Long Term Plan to investigate other intake sources for the township’s water supply.”

A new $4.6 million water membrane treatment plant for Mount Somers is already under construction and will raise reservoir capacity when completed in a few months’ time.

Mr McCann said the work was on track and it was planned to start commissioning the plant at the end of May. It should be fully operational in July.

The plant is a smaller version of the new Methven water membrane treatment plant that opened late last year, ending the need for boil water notices that were often issued after

A new building has been constructed to house treatment equipment for the Mount Somers plant, and new soakage fields, settling ponds and drainage pipework have been completed.

The upgrade includes eight new tanks which will increase storage capacity from 125 cubic meters to 240 cubic meters.