Councillor Stuart Walker said a "significant amount" of rain over a prolonged period was needed to loosen up water restrictions. Water restrictions won't be lifted in Nelson yet despite the recent rain. "To give a clearer picture, the level of the Maitai Dam has reduced by around 4 metres during the dry period. Likewise in rural areas, the weekend rain raised river levels slightly but by Tuesday they had dropped again." Braden Fastier/Stuff The Maitai Dam has dropped by 4m over the drought, with recent rain only replenishing it by 5mm.

Source: Stuff March 12, 2019 08:03 UTC