Taupo district encouraged to conserve water

With Lake Taupo on our doorstep, it’s hard to imagine a need to conserve water, but that’s the message from the Taupo District Council this summer.

At this time of year lawns and gardens dry out and the use of irrigation systems increases markedly, particularly with the influx of holiday home owners who want to keep their properties looking good.

“As with any other place around the country, it’s important for us to be vigilant in the summer about the amount of water we are using,” says Jeff Kivell, Manager of Water & Wastes Operations. “When temperatures rise or when we have windy days which suck the moisture from the ground at the same time as we have increased visitor numbers to the area, naturally our water consumption increases considerably”.

The district’s average daily water usage during November was 13,750 cubic metres (from our Lake Terrace and Rainbow Point pump stations). So far in January the average daily use has been 21,100 cubic metres and on 6 January 26,850 cubic metres. Water usage data can also be viewed on the Council website www.taupo.govt.nz

“Despite having a huge lake right at out feet, the problem with such increases in water consumption is the load it puts on the infrastructure required to treat and turn lake water into the treated water and deliver it to your tap. It’s not an endless supply as some would think,” says Mr Kivell.

“One of the easiest things we can do is to reduce the use of sprinklers and hoses. Irrigating every alternate day rather than daily, and in the early morning, evening or at night rather than all day will help alleviate the problems that arise from high water consumption,” says Mr Kivell. The most efficient time to irrigate is at night when the temperature is lowest. Irrigating when the sun is shining might not be good for plants and certainly increases evaporation losses. “When you are irrigating please make sure that all the water is directed where you want it, not on the road or footpath.”

“Conserving water is the responsible thing to do and we are committed to encouraging the district to reduce unnecessary water usage,” says Mr Kivell.