Water Shortage Risk Mitigation Plan

Waikato Regional Council's Water Shortage Risk Mitigation Plan sets out efficient and effective management to anticipate and cope with periods of water shortage due to weather conditions in the Waikato region. This Plan aims to prevent water supplies running out, and suggests proactive measures that can be taken to reduce community vulnerability before a water shortage occurs. Risk mitigation plans define the roles of Waikato Regional Council, district councils, and the community in managing the impacts of potential natural hazard events.

The Waikato region does not normally experience the extremes of water shortage that occur in the historically recognised 'drought' areas of New Zealand (Central Otago, East Cape, Marlborough). However there is still a slight chance that extreme water shortage could affect the Waikato region if major changes in weather patterns occur, affecting our region’s river levels and rainfall.

Water shortages can affect:

• rural water users (for example, agricultural/horticultural sectors)
• urban water users (residential and industrial)
• the environment
• the economy.

Waikato Regional Council's Water Shortage Risk Mitigation Plan focuses on:

• environmental problems caused by water shortages
• planned response and recovery to lessen the effects of water shortage
• educating individuals and community groups on their role in reducing the adverse affects of water shortage
• monitoring and review.