People asked to save water

Palmerston North residents are being asked to get behind summer water use and help the city once again avoid water restrictions.

Last year the city council trialled the initiative. Summer water use means everyone should only use unattended sprinklers and hoses on your lawn or garden every second day and then only between 7-9pm. Your day is based on your house number so even houses water on even days, and odd houses on odd days. This is the same as a Level 2 water restriction but is voluntary and residents are asked to continue their efforts until the end of daylight saving.

“It was great that last year we could avoid water restrictions, and we really hope we can make it two summers in a row,” water and waste operations manager Mike Monaghan says.

Palmy will only move to compulsory restrictions on outdoor water use if the conservation efforts aren’t enough, and the council has concerns about a water shortage. Water comes from the Turitea Dam and 10 bores around the city and villages. Ashhurst, Longburn and Bunnythorpe each have only one bore.

Moving to summer water use is not about having insufficient water but rather being careful stewards/kaitiaki of a precious resource.

“Our city is extremely fortunate compared to many others around the country. We have planned well and have a range of water sources available. This is about showing that we value water, and don’t waste it. It focuses on choosing to minimise our water use over summer, changing our behaviour long-term and valuing water as the incredibly precious taonga it is.”