Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Water ban imposed on West Coast town

Updated at 10:17 pm on 10 January 2012

Water restrictions have been imposed in the West Coast town of Franz Josef.

The water supply is under severe pressure following a dry spell in the South Island region, prompting the Westland District Council to enforce the ban.

Water to the tourist town ran out at 5pm on Monday, with many shops and facilities forced to close. It was restored about two hours later.

On Tuesday the town is being supplied with untreated water from an adjoining national park. Residents are advised to boil that water before use.

The township of Ross, north of Franz Josef, is also under full water restrictions - with a ban on using hoses, watering gardens, washing vehicles and filling swimming pools.

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