This past summer, and well into autumn, we have had one of the most severe droughts this area has ever experienced. Rainfall is 40 to 47 per cent below normal levels, and the heavy rain we finally saw over the weekend is expected to be followed by a return to dry conditions and cold southerlies. 

Rain over March and April has provided some relief, easing the drought intensity from extremely dry, to severely dry. That, clearly though, is not enough. To recover from the long dry spell, Auckland may be moving from lockdown into mandatory water restrictions.

Auckland Council confirmed yesterday that they will consider introducing water restrictions in response to the worst drought in the city's history.

"Auckland is experiencing its worst drought on record, with January to April this year the driest in our history," Mayor Phil Goff said.

"We have had a long hot summer with less than half of our normal rainfall, which means our storage dams have fallen to around 46.5 per cent, well below the 76 per cent average for this time of year."

For households, watering gardens, washing cars and waterblasting properties would be prohibited if the restrictions are implemented. The council could give Watercare the power to impose fines of up to $20,000 for people who break the rules.

If councillors agree, the mandatory water restrictions will kick in on Saturday, May 16.

Last summer, people were left waiting for water for up to four weeks, while watching their tanks get scarily low. The council is encouraging people to start planning for next summer so we can avoid a similar situation.