District-wide Odds and Evens Water Restrictions to be Introduced

Lack of rain and high demand have resulted in District-wide water restrictions being introduced on Saturday 12 March.

The restrictions mean all unattended hoses, sprinklers and irrigation systems are banned.
Hand-held hoses may be used early in the morning or in the evening on the odds and evens system (at even-numbered houses on even calendar dates, and odd numbered houses on odd calendar dates).

South Taranaki District Council group manager community and infrastructure services Fiona Aitken says water supplies in Ōpunakē, Manaia, Rāhotu, Waverley and Pātea are low so consumers in those areas should need to conserve water where possible.

“After seven years with no restrictions, we are now in the position of needing to implement this to ensure that we have enough drinking water to go around, and that we respect the principles of Te Mana o te Wai,” says Aitken. “Residents need to limit non-essential water use wherever possible and help us by looking for, and fixing, any leak on your property or farm. All water savings can make a difference.”

The restrictions will be in place until further notice although we expect they will be lifted in early April.

Ways to help conserve water include:

• Avoid watering your lawns
• Choose taking a shower over a bath, but make them short
• Fix any leaks and dripping taps
• Use full loads to wash your clothes and dishes
• Reduce how often you wash your cars and boats
• Do not hose down driveways or buildings
• Report any leaks on the public system to Council so we can have them fixed, phone 0800111323