Water restrictions

Sprinklers 6-8am and 6-8pm. Hand-held hosing any time.

Use water sensibly

• Use a trigger on your hose to direct water where you need it most.
• Use a timer with your sprinkler or irrigation system and be mindful where you position it so that you are watering plants, not paved areas.
• Water plants less often but thoroughly. A longer water 2-3 times a week is better than a short water every day. You will encourage stronger, deeper roots.
• Use a cover on permanent and portable pools to prevent 97% of water evaporating and use appropriate chemicals to keep the water fresh.
• Use a broom instead of water to clean hard surfaces such as footpaths and driveways.
• Wash your car/boat/caravan on an area of lawn, using a bucket instead of hose or water blaster. Alternatively, use a commercial washing facility that preferably recycles water.
• Shorten your shower. 
• Collect water from showering, cooking, washing and rain and re-use in your garden.
• Use water from your rainwater tank or grey water wherever possible.

Sprinklers on alternate days, 6-8am and 6–8pm. Hand-held hosing any time.

Alternate days means residents whose street address number is even can use their sprinkler systems between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm on days with even dates (i.e. 30 January, 2 February, 4 February etc).

Odd letter box numbers can use their sprinkler systems between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm on days with odd dates (i.e. 31 January, 1 February, 3 February etc).

Reduce non essential water use

• Use a trigger on your hose to direct water where you need it most.
• Use a timer with your sprinkler or irrigation system and be mindful where you position it so that you are watering plants, not paved areas. Consider using a smart timer that switches your sprinkler off when it's raining.
• Use a cover on permanent and portable pools to prevent 97% of water evaporating and use appropriate chemicals to keep the water fresh.
• Use a broom instead of water to clean hard surfaces such as footpaths and driveways.
• Wash your car/boat/caravan on an area of lawn where possible, using a bucket instead of a hose or water blaster. Alternatively, use a commercial washing facility that preferably recycles water.
• Shorten your shower.
• Collect water from showering, cooking, washing and rain and re-use in your garden.

No sprinklers. Hand-held hosing any time.

Take all practical steps to reduce your water use.

• Switch off irrigation systems and prioritise watering fruit and vegetables only.
• Use a trigger on your hose to direct water where you need it most. Where practical, use a bucket or watering can.
• Use a cover on permanent and portable pools to prevent 97% of water evaporating and use appropriate chemicals to keep the water fresh.
• Do not wash windows, footpaths, driveways, buildings and cars unless safety is an issue. If water is required, use a bucket instead of your hose or water blaster.
• Shorten your shower.
• Collect water from showering, cooking, washing and rain and re-use in your garden.

Northern parts of the district receive water supply from Watercare Auckland.

The central scheme services Ngaruawahia, Hopuhopu, Horotiu and Taupiri.

The mid Waikato scheme services Te Kauwhata and Rangiriri.

The Huntly scheme services Huntly.

The Raglan scheme services Raglan and all surrounding areas including Whanga Coast.

The Te Kowhai scheme services Te Kowhai.

The Meremere scheme services Meremere.

The Maramaraua scheme services Maramarua.

No matter where you live in the district, there are things you can do to reduce your water usage.

Refer to our how can I save water page for more tips.