Wanted: Water for Rotorua’s lakes

Daily Post, Wednesday 1 Feb, 2017
We all love a hot, dry summer and so far 2017’s given us just that.

But it comes with a downside, some of Rotorua’s lakes are below their usual summer water levels.

According to Bay of Plenty Regional Council principal engineering surveyor Graeme O’Rourke, Lake Rotoiti is about 50mm below its usual range for this time of year, with lakes Rotorua and Okareka also low.

Mr O’Rourke said river flows around the region were also in a low state as the catchments dried out.

“Unless significant rain falls, lake levels and river flows around the Bay of Plenty will continue to decline.”

He said the situation wasn’t critical, but it was important to let the wider public, lake residents and users know in case things changed.

The regional council continues to monitor lake levels and will advise the community of any changes.