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.
If you water your lawn with a sprinkler, aim for 10-15mm each time up to a max of 25-40mm each week which is about 2-3 times a week. Not sure how much water your sprinkler uses? Watch this short video on how to measure sprinkler output.
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. Visit your council reception (Hamilton, Waipā District & Waitomo District only) & ask for your free shower timer to make this easier.
Check out our smart water play ideas to keep your kids cool and your water use low. If your children like to play under the sprinkler, or they have toys that attach to the hose, they can use these to keep cool. Use a timer and don’t forget to turn the water off at the end.
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.
Check out our water saving tips for more ideas on how to be smart with water.
The alert levels apply to all residential and commercial customers on council water supply.
Commercial customers
At Alert Levels 1 and 2, water restrictions apply to businesses who don't use water as an essential activity. For example, if you wish to water a shrub or garden outside your premises, you can only use a sprinkler during the restricted times.
If your business uses water as an essential activity such as landscaping, sports fields or nurseries, outdoor watering is allowed. However, we ask that you practice efficient watering methods whenever possible.
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