Take all practical steps to reduce your water use.
Switch off irrigation systems and prioritise watering fruit and vegetables only.
Use a trigger on your hose to direct water where you need it most. Where practical, use a bucket or watering can.
Use a cover on permanent and portable pools to prevent 97% of water evaporating and use appropriate chemicals to keep the water fresh.
Do not wash windows, footpaths, driveways, buildings and cars unless safety is an issue. If water is required, use a bucket instead of your hose or water blaster.
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.
Collect water from showering, cooking, washing and rain and re-use in your garden.
Check out these water saving tips for more ideas on how to be smart with water.
Commercial customers
If your business uses water as an essential activity, you can use a handheld hose at any time. This would apply to businesses such as commercial car and building washing, market gardens, plant nurseries, and those which maintain roadside gardens and sports fields.
If your business uses a sprinkler or irrigation system as an essential activity, you may only do so with mitigation measures in place to save water, including:
- using recycled or non-potable water instead of mains
- using soil moisture meters, rain sensors and/or timers
- minimising watering to essential needs only.
Got a question?
