By Kloe Palmer
The threat of drought hanging over the lower South Island has forced councils to announce water restrictions starting tomorrow.
Garden sprinklers will be banned in many areas, and residents are being told to use only what is necessary.
Franz Joseph on the West Coast ran out of water altogether. It is now back - but with a warning: be careful how you drink it.
When water stopped flowing from the Forest Retreat Holiday Camp taps, it was their spa that saved the day.
The campground is located right in the middle of the Franz Joseph rain forest, but there is very little rain there at the moment.
“It's been a few weeks since we have had any good rain,” says camp owner Oscar Morgan.
The good weather has drawn record tourist numbers to the area from shaky Christchurch and the wetter areas up north.
“We've seen people from the Nelson region and also the North Island and Auckland,” says community spokesperson Marcel Fekkes.
It is hard to believe, but on Monday night for the first time ever the glacial town’s water supply ran dry.
Now, all water must be boiled until a tank containing treated water fills up again.
And now questions have been raised about whether the town needs another reservoir.
“That will be discussed with council, I’m sure we will have a good debrief with them to work out something to it ensure it doesn't happen again,” says Mr Fekkes.
And it is not just the West Coast that is worried about water, the entire lower South Island is now being urged to conserve where possible.
“There's less water coming in than is going out, so we have to start being careful,” says Charles Hakkart, chief executive of the Clutha District Council.
Rain is forecast for the area but Clydevale farmer Terry Carr is hoping the clouds bring more than a quick shower.
“We need a good soaking; a good 30-odd [millimeters] at the moment would be great, just to keep things going.”
He says follow up rain is important otherwise he will be back in the same situation dry situation next week.
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