Parts of Waikato district on Water Alert Level 1

Hamilton City Council has moved to Water Alert Level 1 today.

Over the past month, despite some rain, there has been a significant increase in water demand due to the warmer weather.

Moving to Alert Level 1 means sprinkler use must be limited to between 6am to 8am and 6pm to 8pm daily, while hand-held hosing can be done at any time.

Hamilton’s move to Water Alert Level 1 will also affect Waikato district residents in Tauwhare, Matangi and Gordonton as they’re supplied by Hamilton’s water network. Residents in Waipā and other Waikato District Council areas have not yet moved to an alert level.

Hamilton City Council’s City Waters Manager Maire Porter said Hamilton is just one of many river users who take water from the Waikato River and there is a limit to the amount that can be taken each year.

“December always sees an increase in water consumption in the city and with reduced rainfall expected over the coming months as the weather really starts to heat up, we need to start being conscious about the amount of water we use,” Mrs Porter said.

“There’s a number of easy and effective ways we can do this like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or taking a shorter shower. They may seem like small changes but they all help us to conserve and preserve our wai and may prevent against further water restrictions over the summer months.”

Waipā District Council’s Water Services Manager Martin Mould has said that the introduction of water meters has reduced the usual summer demand on water.

“In Waipā, our residents are more aware of their water use since the installation of water meters and we are certainly seeing a decrease in water use across the district as a result. Recent rainfall has also contributed significantly to keeping water alert levels at bay. We continue to monitor water use and will move to a Water Alert Level 1 when our trigger levels are reached.”

While most of the Waikato district isn’t on water restrictions just yet, Waikato District Council Acting General Manager Service Delivery Roger MacCulloch says our southern communities need to be mindful that they have their water supplied by Hamilton City.

“This means Tauwhare, Matangi and Gordonton residents are now on Water Alert Level 1. We’re hopeful that the rest of the district can remain off water alerts this summer if everyone is smart with their water use.”

More information about the water restrictions can be found here.

You can also sign up to receive updates about directly from at smartwater.org.nz/subscribe.

To raise further awareness about the changes we can all make to how we use water, there will be a campaign running throughout the summer months called Smart Water Starts With You! This campaign is a joint venture between Hamilton City Council, Waikato District Council and Waipa District Council.

ENDS

For more information, contact:

Lauradanna Radesic | Hamilton City Council | 027 808 8125
Teresa Hancock |Waikato District Council |027 706 5776
Karen Cousins| Waipā District Council | 027 300 5232

About the water alert level system:

The Water Alert Levels and their corresponding requirements are a way to use water in a sustainable manner and ensure consistent supply throughout summer. The water alert level system consists of four alert levels and matching requirements.

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