Drought and Climate Resilience

Dry periods can place pressure on water supplies, pasture, livestock, and people. The information below is intended to help rural landowners and occupiers plan ahead and manage during drought conditions.

Water Supply and Use During Dry Periods

Whether you are on a rural supply or connected to the city’s reticulated supply, it’s important to ensure stock have sufficient drinking water. If you operate under a water‑take resource consent, check that you are complying with consent conditions, particularly during low‑flow periods.

If your property relies on an independent water supply (such as a community scheme, stream, bore, or spring, and you do not receive a Council water bill), rural water restrictions apply during dry conditions.

When rural water restrictions are in place, water may only be used for essential purposes, including:

firefighting
human drinking water
household use (e.g. showers)
stock drinking water

Water must not be used for non‑essential activities, such as:

crop irrigation
garden watering
washing cars, houses, or driveways

If you have water stored for firefighting, it is important to retain this supply so it remains available when fire risk is high.

Water Storage Requirements

Under the Nelson Resource Management Plan (NRMP), rural dwellings are required to have minimum water storage (unless connected to a community scheme that provides firefighting and minimum‑flow storage).

This generally includes:

Firefighting supply:
- either a sprinkler system with 7,000 L available, or
- 45,000 L of water tank storage
Minimum‑flow supply:
- an additional 15,000 L available during minimum‑flow periods

Where total storage is 45,000 L, at least 23,000 L must be reserved for firefighting.

Refer to the NRMP rules for full details.

Livestock Water Needs

During drought, ensuring adequate drinking water for livestock is critical. Consider de‑stocking early if feed or water supplies are at risk. Support is available through Federated Farmers Feedline.

Approximate daily drinking water requirements:

Beef cattle: 50 L/day (yearlings ~30 L, calves ~20 L)
Dairy cows: 90 L/day (450 kg cow)
Deer: 15 L/day
Sheep: 7 L/day (adult ewe, no lambs)
Goats: 6 L/day
Horses: 45 L/day (grazing)
Pigs: 15 L/day (adult, no piglets)

Farming Through a Drought

Managing land and stock during dry conditions may involve reviewing stocking levels, protecting soil and pasture cover, prioritising water supply, and planning for recovery once conditions improve.

Rainwater Harvesting and Water Conservation

Rainwater storage can significantly improve resilience during dry periods. If you don’t already have rainwater tanks, Council provides information on:

rainwater harvesting systems
water conservation practices
making the most of stored water during drought

Monitoring Weather and River Flows

Planning ahead can reduce risk. Useful tools include:

NIWA Seasonal Climate Outlooks, updated monthly
Council’s river and stream flow information river and stream flow information, showing current conditions

Support and Key Contacts

Help is available during drought and dry conditions:

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) – drought and animal‑welfare guidance
- animalwelfare@mpi.govt.nz | 0800 008 333
Rural Support Trust – confidential advice and support
- 0800 787 254
Local communities and neighbours – staying connected strengthens resilience