Waikato District Council runs the smart water use campaign annually over summer to encourage residents to use water in a sustainable manner and to ensure consistent supply throughout the summer and high demand periods.
Waikato District Council water and facilities general manager Richard Bax, said to help manage the district’s water use, alert levels around water consumption will be introduced over summer.
“We have used the water alert level system for the past two years and it has proved very successful. Water alert levels range from one which is limited restrictions, to four which is a total ban on non essential use. Residents are informed about the changes in alerts levels through local newspapers, radio stations, signage and on the council’s website www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz,” he said.
The water alert level system is a regional collaborative effort between Waikato District Council, Hamilton City Council, and Waipa District Council. The initiative aims to encourage residents to regard water as a limited and precious resource and promote proactive water conservation.
WATER ALERT LEVEL 1
Restrictions: Sprinkler systems permitted between 6-8am and 6-8pm only.
No restriction on commercial/ non residential properties.
WATER ALERT LEVEL 2
Restrictions: Sprinkler systems permitted between 6-8am and 6-8pm on alternate days only.
No restriction on commercial/ non residential properties.
WATER ALERT LEVEL 3
Restrictions: Total ban on domestic sprinklers – only hand held hosing permitted.
Restriction on outdoor water use for commercial/ non residential properties.
WATER ALERT LEVEL 4
Restrictions: Total ban on all external non essential use of water.
Restriction on outdoor water use for commercial/ non residential properties.
Restriction on all external water use for commercial/ non residential
properties.
More information about water alert levels and the smart water use campaign can be found on the council’s website www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz