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Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
Date: 29 Jul 2024
Ongoing dry conditions – due to lack of rain and snow melt – continue to put significant pressure on lakes and rivers across Waitaha/Canterbury.
“While we have since seen some localised rainfall, there hasn’t been anywhere near enough to recharge our lakes and rivers and this is having a significant effect across the region,” Surface Water Science Manager Elaine Moriarty said.
“Lakes and rivers throughout Canterbury are still at record low levels and there’s no saying when this will improve, with early winter not producing longed-for rainfall.”
In their June to August Seasonal Climate Outlook, NIWA is forecasting below normal river flows and soil moisture levels, and near normal or below normal winter rainfall, with soil moisture deficits and long-term dryness that will be slow to improve.
“The lack of rain is having widespread impacts,” Elaine said. “For farmers, it’s reducing feed available for stock and there is likely to be less water...