Praise for residents as Hamiltons water restrictions lifted

The end of daylight savings this weekend will also see the lifting of all sprinkler restrictions in Hamilton, following a sustained decrease in the city's daily water consumption levels.

Hamilton's daily water usage peaked on 8 February when the city consumed 75.66 million litres, despite an increase to water alert level 2 and the introduction of alternate day sprinkler restrictions just 10 days prior. Since then concerted water conservation efforts, promotion of the 'Smart Water Use' message, and cooler, wetter weather has seen daily consumption decline. On 25 February the city's water alert level was downgraded back to level 1 (meaning sprinkler systems were permitted between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm each day), and since then daily consumption has remained under 60 million litres.

Hamilton City Council Treatment Plants Manager Tim Harty said that with summer officially over and daylight savings now coming to an end, Council is confident the demand on water will remain at acceptable levels without the need for sprinkler restrictions to stay in force.

"Last March the city was consuming up to 73 million litres a day, the area was experiencing draught conditions and a total sprinkler ban was in place. While we were not able to foresee whether or not the same draught conditions would be experienced this summer, it was important for us to be proactive and have a plan in place in the likelihood that they were," said Mr Harty.

"The new Smart Water Use alert level system has allowed us to be more reactive this year than in past years … So when consumption was at a level deemed 'excessive' for the time of year we were then able to introduce tighter water restrictions to combat this. The same went for a decrease in water usage – If it was evident that residents were stepping up efforts to reduce their water usage then we were able to reward this behaviour by relaxing the restrictions."

Mr Harty said the "reactivity" of the new system means that in future years, restrictions may come in to force earlier or later, and may remain in place for a shorter or longer periods depending on the circumstances.

"So just because restrictions came in effect on 1 December and are being lifted in early April this summer, doesn't necessarily mean this will be the case next year," he said.

"It is important we all realise that while we may have a large river flowing through our city, water is not an unlimited resource. It is crucial we all take appropriate steps to conserve water wherever possible to ensure a consistent supply throughout peak demand periods, therefore avoiding the need for the varying levels of water restrictions."

Mr Harty said he has been impressed with the way that residents have embraced the Smart Water Use alert level system this summer and have clearly adhered to the restrictions that have been in place.

"Even though these restrictions are now lifted I am confident that residents will continue to use water wisely and maintain acceptable levels of usage."

Smart Water Use is a regional collaborative effort between Hamilton City Council, Environment Waikato and other territorial authorities throughout the greater Waikato.