Water restrictions

From time to time, we may introduce water restrictions to help manage demand and protect our water supply.

Restrictions are most likely during the summer months, when water use increases and hot, dry conditions can reduce available supply. They may also be introduced in response to incidents or emergencies to ensure we can continue to provide a reliable service to all our communities.

Water restrictions help to:

• manage high demand so our treatment plants and networks can keep up
• reduce unnecessary or non-essential water use outdoors
• protect our water sources and ensure enough supply for essential needs, including firefighting and public health.

Even when water sources may appear plentiful, there are limits to how much water can be treated and supplied each day, especially during peak demand periods.

How restrictions work

In the future, we will introduce a consistent set of water restriction levels across our area of operation. These will clearly outline what types of water use are allowed at each level and when additional conservation is required.

Restrictions are typically focused on outdoor water use, which makes up a significant portion of demand in summer. For example, measures may include:

• limiting sprinkler use to certain days and times
• allowing hand‑held hosing at any time (as long as it is attended)
• encouraging efficient water use practices, such as using buckets instead of hoses and avoiding watering hard surfaces.

We will also continue to review and update our drought management plans to ensure they reflect best practice and support a resilient water supply.

Keeping you informed

If water restrictions are introduced, we will let you know in advance wherever possible.

We will share updates through:

• our website
• social media
• local newspapers and other easy-to-access channels
• Smart Water (Waipā District)