Water levels still receding

The Shag river in North Otago. Photo by Bill Campbell.
The Shag river in North Otago. Photo by Bill Campbell.
The level of North Otago's streams and rivers continued falling yesterday in what residents hope will be a long-term trend after three weeks of periods of heavy rain.

The latest was on Sunday night and Monday, which was not as heavy as falls last week but on already saturated ground was enough to cause more flooding.

On Sunday and up to Monday night when the rain stopped, 78mm fell at the Dasher on the Kakanui Mountains, 47mm at Morven near Waimate, 33mm in Oamaru and 32mm at Clifton Falls in the Kakanui Valley.

That was enough to cause flooding in the Kakanui River, which reached 225cumecs at the Mill Dam, well short of the almost 200cumecs it hit last week.

Rain was lesser from Duntroon west, with Danseys Pass and Otekaieke having about 20mm.

Waitaki district emergency services manager Chris Raine yesterday had received no reports of any major issues from volunteer Civil Defence wardens who were asked to inspect their areas yesterday morning.

A "weather watch" was in place last night, with up to 10mm of rain predicted to fall in a short period in North Otago - usually not enough to worry about but given the saturated ground it could be capable of causing further problems.

After that, the weather is expected to be more settled.

The Waitaki District Council still has some water schemes shut until rivers clear, with the Tokarahi scheme out of action after a pipe was damaged, cutting supply to about half its consumers.

Boil-water notices were issued for the Awamoko, Windsor, Herbert-Wainakarua, Hampden-Moeraki and Kauru water schemes.

The council has fresh water available from tankers for domestic use.

Yesterday, the council still had 29 roads closed, and another 48 had cautions posted because of flood damage.

david.bruce@odt.co.nz

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