As from 25 January 2012 residents in Raglan are permitted to use domestic sprinkler and irrigation systems between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm only, following the introduction of water alert level 1 today.
The need for water restrictions in Raglan has been triggered by a significant increase in water consumption over the past two weeks, largely due to increasing periods of hot, dry weather, as well as forecasts for more fine weather ahead.
Waikato District Council Water & Facilities General Manager Richard Bax urged all residents to abide by the restrictions now in place.
“We hope the introduction of the first level of water restrictions will effectively manage consumption throughout this peak demand period,” he said.
“We ask that all residents abide by the restrictions that have come into effect and also take proactive steps to conserve water where ever possible – simple things like taking shorter showers, fixing leaking taps and washing cars with a bucket of water instead of a hose can all help to ease demand on water during this period of peak demand.”
While water restrictions generally come into effect prior to Christmas, wet weather in the area over the recent holiday season helped keep water consumption levels relatively low throughout this period.
“Now that the weather is heating up and more residents are returning home to Hamilton and the Waikato from their summer holiday destinations, the city and district’s water consumption has been increasing significantly,” he said.
“By introducing water alert level 1 and its corresponding water restrictions, it is helping to manage the increasing demand for this limited and precious resource, and ensure water consumption remains at sustainable levels.”
The Smart Water Use water alert level system consists of four alert levels and corresponding restrictions:
- Alert level 1 – domestic sprinkler systems permitted between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm only
- Alert level 2 – domestic sprinklers would only be permitted between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm on alternating days.
- Alert level 3 – total ban on domestic sprinklers and restrictions on outdoor water use for commercial/non-residential properties
- Alert level 4 – a total town-wide ban on all external non-essential use of water
| Raglan Water Usage | ||||
|
m3 |
||||
| Mon 16 Jan |
1847 |
|||
| Tues 17 Jan |
1885 |
|||
| Wed 18 Jan |
1875 |
|||
| Thurs 19 Jan |
1904 |
|||
| Fri 20 Jan |
1934 |
|||
| Sat 21 Jan |
2102 |
|||
| Sun 22 Jan |
1772 |
|||
| Please note that volumes are given in m3 (1m3 = 1000 litres) | ||||