Kāwhia Water

 

As we head into what is predicted to be hot summer, with a high number of visitors to our district, it’s important we all be conscious of our water use.

While our district has not had water restrictions before - increased temperatures and increased outdoor use due to activities like washing boats, watering gardens and property maintenance puts pressure on our water supply. This may require us to follow water restrictions this summer.

Our water restrictions help us manage the reticulated water supply during periods of high demand.

Water restrictions help everyone play their part. They are put in place to protect our limited resource and make sure there is enough water for everyone to use during this time.

If you notice a water leak or someone wasting water in your street, please contact us straight away on 07 873 4000 (24 hours).

You will be notified of a change in water restriction level by updates to our website, social media and the indication arrow on the physical sign in Kāwhia township will be pointing to the current restriction level. The details of our water restriction levels are outlined below:

 

RESTRICTION IN PLACE

7 January 2023 - Level 2

 

Level 1 – Water conservation

USE WATER WISELY (BLUE)

Sprinklers between 6-8am and 6-8pm.

Hand-held hosing is allowed anytime.

Water saving tips:

- Always use a twist or trigger nozzle when using your hose.

- Use a timer with your sprinkler or irrigation system and be mindful where you position it so that you are watering plants, not paved areas.

- Use a cover on permanent and portable pools to prevent evaporation and use appropriate chemicals to keep the water fresh.

- Use a broom and/or bucket to clean hard surfaces such as footpaths and driveways.

- Wash your car/boat/caravan on an area of lawn.

- Shorten your shower.

- Put a bucket in the shower while you're waiting for the water to warm up, and use the water you catch for watering plants, flushing the toilet or cleaning.

- Use water from your rain water tank or grey water wherever possible.

Level 2 - Water restriction

REDUCE NON-ESSENTIAL WATER USE (YELLOW)

Use sprinklers on alternate days between 6-8am and 6-8pm (e.g. even street numbers on even days; odd street numbers on odd days).

Hand held hosing is allowed at any time.

Level 3 - Water restriction

REDUCE YOUR WATER USE IMMEDIATELY (ORANGE)

No sprinklers allowed.

Hand-held hosing only.

Don’t use Council water supply to fill or top up your pools - including portable and paddling pools.

Use a broom instead of water to clean hard surfaces such as footpaths and driveways.

Avoid using water to wash windows, buildings, cars and boats (boat motors may be flushed out).

Level 4 - Water Restriction

ESSENTIAL WATER USE ONLY (RED)

Essential water use means that you may use water for drinking, food preparation, hygiene and sanitary purposes - includes washing clothes and taking showers. 

Essential use outside means water may be used for activities like firefighting and emergency clean ups.

There is a complete ban on any outdoor water use - includes use of sprinklers, hoses, drip lines, irrigation systems, water toys like slip n' slides.

No filling of swimming pools - includes portable or paddling pools.

No outdoor cleaning - cars, property and boats (boat motors may be flushed out).

The only permitted way to water your garden at water restriction level 4 is to use collected rain water and/or to use greywater from inside your home.