We have investigated other systems, but have chosen Timbertanks because they deliver what we require and respond quickly if problems arise.

News in January stated "Large increases in water consumption have put pressure on some of the Coromandel Peninsula's hot spots.... the amount of water used has risen by about a third compared to a year earlier."

Total hose and sprinkler bans were imposed by the Thames-Coromandel District Council in the five beach towns of Matarangi, Whangamata, Pauaunui, Hahei and Tairua to maintain supply, and the public were asked to conserve water wherever possible.

So where does Timbertanks fit into all of this? The District has 43 water reservoirs and tanks supplied by us. We have been their supplier of choice for many years.

"There are two main reasons,'" says Council project engineer Robert Paterson. "First is price, for the size of tanks supplied. Second is the difficulty of access to the terrain in which we have to operate. We have investigated other systems, but have chosen Timbertanks because they deliver what we require and respond quickly if problems arise.

"For example - at Whitianga we knew from day one that to get a new reservoir on the chosen site, it could only be taken there by helicopter - no contest. In Coromandel, one site for a 2000m3 tank was an existing rocky ridge alongside the highway. We could barely get in there - but a timbertank is there now."

The problem for the Council is that with population expansion up to five times during holiday periods the reservoirs can only just cope, but in quiet periods the big reservoirs are virtually emptied.

"Our plant in Whitianga can supply 8000cum per day from the various tanks, with the big 3000m3 tank holding one day's supply, but in winter, it's not needed. It's an unusual situation where the tanks are not fully utilised for the rest of the year.

"And the other thing we like about Timbertanks is the use of timber and its sustainability fits in well here. The Council itself is a pine forest owner. And with a light green stain applied to the timber, the tanks can be disguised quite well to blend with our environment."

So Timbertanks water reservoirs tick all the boxes and enable the Council to keep water flowing for hot, thirsty, holiday-makers!