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Water Alert Level 3 comes into effect Friday 31 January with restrictions on outdoor water use for the whole community; residential, commercial and non-residential properties, including reserves and sport facilities. Handheld hosing is still allowed but no sprinkler use is permitted at any time.
The water alert applies to Te Awamutu, Pirongia, Ohaupo, Kaipaki and surrounding areas in Waipa. Cambridge and Kihikihi do not face restrictions yet.
Waipā District Council’s waters services manager, Martin Mould, said last week’s water alert level 1 did not drive a change in behaviour.
“Dry conditions coupled with low stream and dam levels means we’ve now hit the trigger level for water alert level 3 on both Te Awamutu and Pukerimu water schemes.
“We need people to conserve water now. To have an increasing demand, despite moving to alert level 1 last Monday is incredibly disappointing.”
Hamilton City Council Waters Manager Maire Porter says this is a good reminder for Hamiltonians to be vigilant with their water use.
“We are still seeing extremely high water usage in the city. Currently we are not doing enough in terms of water saving to avert going to Water Alert Level 3.”
“We can all do our part, whether it be helping to educate a neighbour or making changes to your own water usage – it all helps and it all counts. And remember, if you see water wastage, report it immediately so we can act,” says Ms Porter.
At water alert level 3, large industry businesses are also required to implement water conservation measures.
An increase of taste and odour complaints also highlights the low stream and dam levels, Mould added.
“Algae is a naturally occurring organism found in fresh water which can become abundant when there are periods of high sunlight and low turnover, such as the conditions we have now.
“Water supplies owned and managed by Council are treated in compliance with New Zealand Drinking Water Standards, however taste and odour can be noticeable particularly during summer when low stream and dam levels don’t allow water to turnover sufficiently.”
Council is currently installing a new bulk water main along Cambridge Road to provide additional water supply for Te Awamutu and Pukerimu water schemes which are expected to help alleviate these concerns.
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.