Start conserving water now

Local water use is being carefully monitored by the District Council to ensure there is enough for everyone if drought conditions prevail.

NIWA has advised a hot and humid La Nina weather pattern is anticipated this summer, following unseasonally low winter rainfall.

Last summer, both the district and city councils were forced to ban sprinklers in some areas, asking residents to use handheld hoses only, either before 8 am or after 7 pm.

Last January, reservoirs dropped under the required 50% minimum level for daily drinking demand despite systems running at capacity for pumping water.

The District Council’s drinking water is sourced from deep underground aquifers in Western Zone (Waihī Beach and Katikati),

Central Zone (Ōmokoroa, Te Puna and Minden) and Eastern Zone (Te Puke, Maketū).

Utilities Manager Kelvin Hill says signage to monitoring water levels in Council’s reservoirs have been put at the entrances to Waihī Beach, Athenree, Maketū, Ōmokoroa and Te Puke and will serve as a reminder to conserve water wherever possible.

“Every year we have more holidaymakers here and we are expecting even more this year in light of Covid-19 overseas travel restrictions,” says Kelvin.

“I believe people generally have a greater understanding of the importance of careful water use. We hope by getting the message out early this year, residents will do their bit to conserve and we will avoid restrictions.

“Water is a precious resource we need to value and use efficiently.”