Sprinkler restrictions now in place
Monday 12 December 2016
Hamilton, Waikato and Waipa 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 using a sprinkler between 6am - 8am and 6pm - 8pm or hand-held hosing at any time.
Over the last two weeks Hamilton's water consumption has increased by 20 per cent, Waikato saw an increase of 6 million litres of water and Waipa's water use increased from 173 to 190 million litres.
Smart Water Co-ordinator Sally Fraser said the sun had come out all of a sudden causing a noticeable jump in water use.
In the summer we see outdoor water use increase from 7 per cent of a households total water use to 20 per cent. This is largely due to pools being filled and sprinklers being turned on.
Sally also added how much water we have relies on it raining in the right place. For example, Te Awamutu's water supply comes from the Mangauika Stream on Mt Pirongia, so although it may be raining in town, it might not be raining in the catchment that feeds Mangauika Stream.
While we can't control the rain, there are some pretty simple ways people can control how much water we all use. Having a shorter shower, mulching your vege patch and garden beds and making the most of water that would normally go down the drain to feed your plants, it all adds up.
Smart Water has an e-newsletter to let you know when your alert level changes, it also has a week-by-week water use graph and other water saving tips. Sign up to receive it at smartwater.org.nz/subscribe
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 Hamilton City Council, Waikato District Council and Waipa District Council.
For more information, contact:
Sam Whittle | Hamilton City Council |07 838 6507
Teresa Hancock |Waikato District Council | 07 824 8633 ext 5649
Nicole Nooyen | Waipa District Council | 027 807 3478
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