Media Release

03 October 2011

Level 3 water restrictions start in Christchurch on 8 October

Christchurch residents face the start of Level 3 water restrictions from Saturday, 8 October.

Christchurch City Council has been warning residents of likely restrictions for several months.

“We are working hard to repair reservoirs, damaged wells and drill new wells but we need Christchurch residents to limit their outdoor water use now. This is a city-wide issue,” says Council Water and Waste Manager Mark Christison.

Christchurch’s water supply systems were badly damaged during the 4 September, 22 February and 13 June earthquakes. The level of damage means that for the first time since the drought of 1998, Christchurch will face water restrictions until at least February 2012.

“If we don’t start conserving water now, with an aim to reduce the traditional summer-time outdoor water demand, total outdoor watering bans will have to be imposed for the city,” says Mr Christison.

“By everyone playing their part now and abiding by Level 3 restrictions, it is hoped we will be able to move through the summer period without more severe restrictions."

In detail, Level 3 water restrictions mean:
• No one waters outdoors on Mondays.
• Residents with odd-numbered street addresses can water their gardens on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
• Residents with even-numbered street addresses can water their gardens on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
• Sprinklers, garden irrigation systems and unattended hoses are not permitted at any time.
• Car washing is permitted on the allocated day.

“All Christchurch residents need to adhere to these restrictions. We need everyone to work together, share ideas on how to conserve water and help reduce the demand on our fragile water systems while the infrastructure is being repaired.”

For more information, see www.becomewaterwise.co.nz or share your water-saving tips on www.facebook.co.nz/ChristchurchCityCouncil

 

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27 January 2010

Nursery & Garden Industry Association supports Ministry of Health gardening guidelines

Following recent cases of Legionnella infection (legionellosis) in Christchurch, the Nursery and Garden Industry Association (NGIA) endorses Ministry of Health guidelines on safe gardening.

"Gardening is a popular pastime enjoyed by thousands of New Zealanders, helping people relax and escape the stresses of life. It provides enjoyment and exercise. The huge growth of interest in home-grown vegetables and fruit in recent years has added to people's culinary enjoyment, and help stretched their budgets further" said Dr John Liddle of the Nursery and Garden Industry Association.

"Soil is rich with living organisms beneficial to plants which generally cause no harm to animals or people. Soil does, however, also contain some organisms that are not beneficial. A type of Legionella bacteria, which is commonly found in the environment, is one of these. It has been shown to cause Legionnaire's disease in a few people."

Dr Liddle said it could, on rare occasions, be inhaled in water vapour and in the dust associated with soil and potting mix. 

"Not all those who come into contact with the bacteria become sick and symptoms will vary from person to person. If people become infected with Legionella, they may get flu-like symptoms that can range from mild to severe. It can, however, be life-threatening to people who have health factors that increase their susceptibility. Those most at risk include smokers, the elderly and those with existing respiratory illnesses and weakened immune systems."

"NGIA endorses the Ministry of Health safe gardening guidelines provided to help reduce the risks when gardening," said Dr Liddle.

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The guidelines advise gardeners to:

• Minimise the amount of dust when working in the garden.
• Water gardens and indoor plants using a gentle spray.
• Read the warning label on bagged composts or potting mix.
• Wear gloves.
• Wear a dust mask so that any dust is filtered out before you can breathe it in.
• Dampen potting mixes before use.
• Open bags of soil products slowly, away from the face.
• Make sure the working area (glasshouse, potting shed) is well ventilated.
• See a doctor if you develop a flu-like illness which is worsening.
• Wash hands thoroughly after gardening or handling soil products.

These are simple, easy and natural steps that all gardeners can take to reduce risk while continuing to enjoy their garden.  The Ministry of Health guidelines also provide advice on garden chemicals, poisonous plants, insect stings and bites, garden machinery, injuries and sunsmart.

NIGA encourages its members to put the appropriate warning labels on all bags of potting mix/compost as set out in NZS 4454:2005 - Composts, Soil Conditioners and Mulches.

Contact: Dr John Liddle, 04 918 3511, 021 370 168, john@ngia.co.nz

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References

Safer and Healthier Gardening – Ministry of Health – HE4605, 2008 August

Legionellosis - What You Should Know If You Work With Soils, Compost And Potting Mix – OSH