Reduce non-essential water use.

Alternate days means residents whose street address number is even can use their sprinkler systems between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm on days with even dates (i.e. 30 January, 2 February, 4 February etc). Odd letter box numbers can use their sprinkler systems between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm on days with odd dates (i.e. 31 January, 1 February, 3 February etc).

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. Consider using a smart timer that switches your sprinkler off when it's raining.

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 where possible, using a bucket instead of a 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 at any time on the lawn or in a garden. 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.

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 Water 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.