A trial of eased commercial water restrictions begins on Monday – but Auckland Mayor Phil Goff is warning residents they must continue to keep its water use in check. WHAT WATER RESTRICTIONS ARE EASING? READ MORE:* Auckland drought: Water restrictions eased to help businesses affected by ban* Auckland drought: Watercare's chief executive says restrictions could end soon* Auckland drought: Forecast confirms a long dry summer aheadThe changes affect commercial operators and have been decided in partnership with the Exterior Cleaning Industry Association, which previously said the restrictions were costing jobs. However, “the easing of restrictions on commercial users will be monitored closely and if the drought continues, restrictions may need to be re-imposed”, he said. New water sources and an agreement to take more from the Waikato River also helped to increase water supply by 25 million litres a day, which will increase to 40 million litres by December and 90 million litres by next July.

Source: Stuff October 11, 2020 15:56 UTC