Water demand showing steady increase

3 December 2012

Waipa District Council is urging people to conserve water where possible in an effort to delay the need to increase the level of water restrictions.

Water use in Cambridge is particularly high and despite the introduction of Alert Level 1 restrictions, where sprinkler systems are only permitted between 6am and 8am and 6pm and 8pm only, the demand is continuing to rise across the district.

Water Services Manager Lorraine Kendrick said if water demand remained at the same level over the next few days the council would need to introduce Alert Level 2, which would mean sprinkler systems could only be used between 6am and 8am and 6pm and 8pm on alternate days only.

Last summer we did not need to increase the level of water restrictions to Alert Level 2 until February, however, this year demand is greater earlier and we are extremely mindful of the prediction it is going to be a long, hot, dry summer, said Mrs Kendrick.

If water use remains at this level we will need to take further action to ensure we are able to provide consistent supply throughout the summer and high demand periods, she said.