With a dry summer ahead and low rainfall, District-wide odds and evens water restrictions are being introduced across South Taranaki on Saturday 18 January.
The restrictions mean all unattended hoses, sprinklers and irrigation systems are banned.
Hand-held hoses may be used early in the evening (after 6pm) 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 Infrastructure Services Herbert Denton says new Taranaki Regional Council consent conditions, which have a greater focus on preserving the health and vitality of our streams and rivers, also require us to introduce restrictions if these drop to a certain level.
The limited rainfall the District received over winter and spring has also had an effect and ground moisture levels are low. “We are now in the position of needing to implement these partial restrictions to ensure that we have enough drinking water to go around and protect the health of our streams and rivers,” says Denton.
“Residents need to limit non-essential water use wherever possible and help us by looking for, and fixing, any leaks on your property or farm. All water savings can make a difference.”
The restrictions will be in place until further notice.
Ways to help conserve water include:
- Do not water your lawns
- Take a shower instead of 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, sweep instead
- Report any leaks on the public system to Council so we can have them fixed, phone 0800 111 323
You can visit www.southtaranaki.com/waterconservation for easy tips and tricks of how you can conserve water in the home and garden.
ENDS
