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20 January 2020
Waipa District Council has advised Water Alert Level 1 will be in place from today in Pirongia and Te Awamutu, and for those on the Pukerimu Scheme (Kaipaki, Ohaupo and surrounds) meaning sprinklers can only be used between 6 – 8am and 6 – 8pm. Hand-held hosing is still allowed at any time. Other parts of the district, including Cambridge and Kihikihi do not face restrictions yet, said water services manager Martin Mould.
“Demand on both water schemes has recently increased above the trigger level to move to Water Alert Level 1 and this demand needs to be managed. The high temperatures and low rainfall in recent weeks, coupled with an increase of demand as people return after holidays means we need to move to Alert Level 1.”
At this stage, Cambridge and Kihikihi are not on an alert level but this can quickly change.”
“That’s not to say the rest of the district should feel they can use water recklessly. We’re only at the start of a long, hot summer and we all need to consider how much water we are using.”
Hamilton city is already on Alert Level 2 with southern areas of the Waikato district; Tauwhare, Gordonton & Matangi who also take from the Hamilton supply. The rest of the Waikato district does not have water restrictions at this stage.
Maire Porter, Hamilton City Council City Water’s Manager says its important residents take action to conserve water.
“We’re about to go into another long hot period and we’re already at Alert Level 2. We are not currently seeing the change in water usage that we would like to see from Hamiltonians. We need to take ownership and do our bit to reduce our water use.”
“Simple ideas like shortening showers or not leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth can actually save hundreds of litres per day. It all makes a difference,” says Ms Porter.
Smart Water Starts with You! is as sub-regional summer campaign aiming to make long-term change to how we use water and is a joint venture between Hamilton City Council, Waikato District Council and Waipa District Council.
For more information, contact: Karen Cousins, 027 300 5232.
About the water alert level system:
The Water Alert Levels and their corresponding requirements are a way to use water in a sustainable manner and ensure consistent supply throughout summer. The water alert level system consists of four alert levels and matching requirements.