Water restrictions in place

Wwaikato District Council logoaikato District, Hamilton and Waipa District are now all on Water Alert Level 1.

The move to Water Alert Level 1 was triggered by a significant increase in water consumption across the region.

Water Alert Level 1 means that sprinklers should only be used between 6am to 8am and 6pm to 8pm, but a hose pipe can be used at any time.

Waters manager Karl Pavlovich says that even though all of the Waikato District Council water supply is now metered, water conservation is still an important part of managing the economic and ecological impact of water supply.

“The alert levels are key reminders or check-in points for our communities on how much water we are using as a whole and provide our residents a point to reflect on how they are using their water,” he says.

“Even though we’ve had a very wet year so far, we still need to react to the increased demand and the community can play their part by using water wisely ahead of what could be a long, dry summer.

“There are lots of ways to conserve water, taking shorter showers, watering the garden by hand, or washing your car on a piece of lawn which needs watering can save hundreds of litres a day.”

Hamilton City Council’s City Waters Manager Maire Porter said recent summery weather had caused a noticeable jump in water use in Hamilton.

“Over the past two weeks the city’s water use has increased by over 20 per cent, the warmer weather means pools are being filled and sprinklers are being turned on.”

Waipa District Council Water Services Manager Tony Hale said while it was tempting to turn the sprinklers on, it was essential everyone played their part now to conserve water.  “…so we will all be better off in the long run.”

The Smart Water Starts with You! sub-regional summer campaign aims to make long-term change to how we use water and is a joint venture between Waikato District Council, Hamilton City Council, and Waipa District Council.

 

About the Water Alert level system:
Water Alert Level 1
Use sprinkler systems between 6am – 8am and 6pm – 8pm
Hand-held hosing can be used anytime

 Water Alert Level 2
Use sprinkler systems on alternate days between
6am – 8am and 6pm – 8pm
Hand-held hosing can be used anytime

Water Alert Level 3
No use of sprinklers.
Hand-held hosing only

Water Alert Level 4
No use of outside water systems

 

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Number 8 Network - a community website for the rural areas northeast of Hamilton, NZ, is run by Gordonton journalist/editor Annette Taylor.

3 thoughts on “Water restrictions in place

  • December 19, 2017 at 9:22 am
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    I belong to a family history group over here in the UK. We’re having snow, low temperatures, fog and ice.
    A lady in the group lives somewhere in NZ. Says they’re having a drought and a heatwave wherever she is.
    Doesn’t too good for you people at the moment. Especially the farming community.
    Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
    Doesn’t look like we’ll be having snow on Christmas Day but you never know.

    Reply
    • December 19, 2017 at 10:58 am
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      Hi Don, a Merry Christmas to you too! Yes, it got quite warm here a couple of weeks ago – up to 29 degrees I think. Now back in the mid-20s. Most of the country has had a bit of rain over the last few days and there’s more forecast, but it’s been a bit patchy and there’s still a lot of summer to go. We’ll cross our fingers.

      Reply
  • December 19, 2017 at 9:27 am
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    PS
    Enjoy getting the newsletter. Keep up the very good work.
    Many thanks

    Reply

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