Motivation to save

Wellington is restricting the use of water and more stringent restrictions are expected.

Meanwhile in the Kapiti Coast district there are no restrictions, nor are any expected. A major factor is the installation of water meters in Kapiti that have produced a reduction of 26 per cent in water usage.

Kapiti households pay a fixed charge for water plus a variable usage charge. This motivates householders to become conservation-minded about water.

The water meters also provide information about water wastage due to leaks in the water system and where these leaks are occurring so that they can be promptly repaired.

The more efficient use of water may mean that expensive construction of a dam to collect water could be deferred indefinitely, saving costs to ratepayers and reducing environmental impact.

Wellington would do well to take a leaf out of Kapiti’s book when it comes to water management. PRYOR ROWLAND Waikanae