20 Mar 2010

Far North drought effects deepen

5:37 am on 20 March 2010

The number of towns in the Far North having to drastically reduce water consumption due to drought continues to grow.

The latest is Kaikohe, where Far North District Council asking residents to cut their water use by 20%.

The council says the drought has become so bad that the Awanui River is just days away from recording its lowest ever level.

Council spokesperson Alison Lees says there doesn't appear to be an end in sight to the drought, with fine weather predicted right through to May.

Earlier this month, water restrictions were imposed in Kaitaia, Omapere and Opononi.