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Last week, Waip? residents used a record breaking 60 million litres of water over a two day period.
Water Alert Level 3 means a complete ban of sprinklers for Waipa residents. Hand held hosing is still allowed.
Waipa District Council’s water services manager Tony Hale says high water use in Cambridge and low water supplies in Te Awamutu this early in the season, means the jump from alert level one to three is crucial.
“Alert Level 1 restrictions have not made a significant impact on water use. Demand continues to increase as the warm weather continues. Simply restricting sprinkler usage at Alert Level 2 is not enough, we need to see a significant change in demand,” Hale said.
Water being used for swimming pools and sprinklers in Cambridge is of huge concern.
“Cambridge residents are much higher users, meaning our treatment plant struggles to keep up with demand. The Cambridge water treatment plant is currently being upgraded but this will not be ready to use this summer,” he says.
“In Te Awamutu the issue is not demand, it is supply. Water comes from the Mangauika Stream on Mt. Pirongia and we need rain to supply the stream.
“With the warm weather set to continue, the stream levels will continue to remain low and if consumption doesn’t change we may not be able to keep up with demand,” Hale said.
Water Alert Level 3 also means restrictions on outdoor water use for commercial and non-residential properties including reserves and sport facilities. Large industry, including Fonterra have been advised of the change in status and are implementing water conservation measures. Council parks staff will also be restricting their use of water.
Hamilton City are on Water Alert Level 2 and Waikato District remains on Alert Level 1.
The Smart Water Starts with You! sub-regional summer campaign aims to make long-term change to how we use water and is a joint venture between Waikato District Council, Hamilton City Council, and Waipa District Council.
Smart Water has an e-newsletter to let you know when your alert level changes plus a week-by-week water use graph and other water-saving tips. Sign up at www.smartwater.org.nz/subscribe
About the Water Alert level system:
Water Alert Level 1
Use sprinkler systems between 6am – 8am and 6pm – 8pm.
Hand-held hosing can be used anytime.
Water Alert Level 2
Use sprinkler systems on alternate days between
6am – 8am and 6pm – 8pm.
Hand-held hosing can be used anytime.
Water Alert Level 3
No use of sprinklers.
Hand-held hosing only.
Water Alert Level 4
No use of outside water systems.
For more information, contact: Simone van Asbeck, 027 564 7622