30 Jan 2017

Dry weather plagues Hawke's Bay

9:32 pm on 30 January 2017

Thirty-seven irrigation bans are in place in Hawke's Bay as prolonged dry weather continues in the region.

irrigation generic farming

During a ban, consent holders may not take water for crops or pasture, but can take water for domestic and stock supply. Photo: RNZ / Joelle Dally

Some of the 35 streams and rivers regularly gauged for summer flows are switched into "ban" status when they drop to pre-set low-flow limits.

During a ban, consent holders may not take water for crops or pasture, but can take water for domestic and stock supply.

The Hawke's Bay Regional Council's Ian Lilburn said irrigators should check the council website daily to assess how rivers were tracking.

The regional council will host a Climate Briefing this Thursday and the drought committee will discuss and advise on any drought status.