The timing of filling the Waimea Dam in New Zealand has been criticized as "inappropriate" by the Waimea Irrigators and Water Users Society. The group, which has consistently opposed the dam, argues that the dam's operational date in March does not align with the need for water, as most fruit would have already been harvested.
Spokesperson Brian Halstead asserts that businesses still require water in the interim and criticizes the Tasman District Council for not releasing water due to ongoing dam tests. Halstead further argues that filling the dam modifies river flows, potentially accelerating water rationing or bans. The Society questions the council's plans for the stored water and insists that it should be released as it rightfully belongs to the aquifers and rivers.
Chris Choat, Tasman District Council's communications manager, responded that the dam is currently in the commissioning process and not yet operational as per resource consents. He further explains that the dam is 75% full and that Waimea Water Limited (WWL) is releasing slightly more than the minimum flow into the river, providing benefits to all water users on the Waimea Plains.
Source: stuff.co.nz