Water trial aims to reduce risk of restrictions

Palmerston North residents are being asked to start acting like summer water restrictions are already in place.

In a trial launched at the beginning of December, people are being asked to voluntarily cut their water use, in particular, only using water outdoors on alternate days.

The approach has already been tested by other councils around New Zealand, and council water and waste operations manager Mike Monaghan was optimistic it would work in Palmerston North.

People are being asked to change their habits voluntarily without waiting for formal level 2 restrictions to be imposed.

The summer water use approach would mean limiting the use of unattended sprinklers and hoses to water the garden and lawn to every second day, between 7pm and 9pm.

Monaghan said he had faith in residents’ ability to take action in the interests of water conservation and the environment.

‘‘We saw the power of our residents’ conservation efforts back in September when we had our trunk main break.

‘‘We were able to save more than 100,000 litres of water an hour.’’

Monaghan said the trial would save people the bother of asking whether restrictions were in place.

If they behaved as if they were, the city might avoid having to make the summer-use rules compulsory.

Monaghan said Palmerston North was better placed than many cities and had a good supply of water. But he urged people to show they valued water, and not waste it.

The summer trial could help people change their water use patterns for good, ‘‘valuing water as the incredibly precious taonga it is’’.

Palmerston North’s water comes from the Turitea Dam and 10 bores around the city and villages.

The water conservation trial also applies to Ashhurst, Longburn and Bunnythorpe. It runs until the end of April.

‘‘Winter use means outdoor water use can return to normal, but we’ll still be encouraging you to only use what you need.’’