Environment Southland is not lifting its water restrictions, but they will reconsider them tomorrow.
Rob Phillips, Environment Southland chief executive, said yesterday that rivers and aquifers had all responded to the rains last week in varying degrees but were receding.
“With no more rainfall over the weekend rivers continue to return at low levels. Phillips stated yesterday that there was significant rainfall forecast tonight.
Today’s weather forecast called for rain in Southland.
Invercargill, Gore and Gore were expected to receive more than 30mm.
Oreti River levels were a concern as it is the main source of water for Invercargill, and many other major industries.
“The decision to keep the direction in effect allows us to assess the impact of the incoming storm system and ensure rivers return to levels that will maintain community water supplies, stockwater supplies, and major industries.”
Environment Southland imposed a ban in large parts of the district’s irrigation late last month due to a lack of rainfall and a forecast of very little rainfall.