Water restrictions due to dry conditions
16 January 2015
Taupo District residents are being asked to only use sprinklers and irrigation systems on alternate days due to a dramatic increase in water use across the district.
Taupo District Council infrastructure manager Denis Lewis said the extended period of dry weather meant people had been using more water, particularly for irrigating lawns and gardens. This was putting additional load on water treatment plants. The restrictions meant people would only be able to use watering systems between 6am and 8am and 6pm and 8pm on alternate days.
Residents whose properties end in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 can use sprinklers on odd numbered calendar days, while those whose addresses end in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8 can use theirs on even numbered calendar days.
Mr Lewis said we all needed to use water wisely as it was an important resource that had to be well-managed. The MetService forecast for the next 10 days indicates more warm, dry weather, and if we take action now, hopefully we won't need to put stronger measures in place in the future, he said.
Water restrictions are already in force in several other districts within Waikato with some agencies likening the summer dry period to the one that brought drought conditions to much of New Zealand in the 1980s.
See our tips on water conservation.
Further updates will be available on our website, Twitter feed @Taupo_DC and Facebook under Taupo District Council if the situation changes.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410
Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549
Taupo District Council