Sprinkler restrictions introduced in Hamilton and Waikato

A recent dramatic increase in water consumption levels in Hamilton and the Waikato has seen sprinkler restrictions introduced today – almost a month earlier than restrictions are typically required.

The city and district have been placed on water alert level 1, meaning use of domestic sprinkler systems is permitted between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm only.

Water consumption levels in Hamilton have risen dramatically since Labour Weekend, from less than 50 million litres (equivalent to 730 litres per household) per day to more than 60 million litres (equivalent to 880 litres per household) per day for four of the five past days. The highest water consumption recorded since last summer was last Sunday when 66 million litres (equivalent to 970 litres per household) were consumed.

Waikato district has also recently experienced a significant increase in water consumption during this period.

Hamilton City Council City Waters Manager Tim Harty said it is concerning that consumption levels are so high this early on, particularly with weather forecasters predicting a hot, dry summer ahead.

“Typically at this time of year consumption would still be sitting at approximately 50 million litres per day, and we wouldn’t consistently experience demand of more than 60 million litres per day until the new year.

“The fact we are experiencing such a high demand for water before summer has officially arrived is extremely worrying and indicates that unless we all take immediate steps to conserve water wherever possible tighter restrictions may be required in the coming weeks to ease pressure on our water supply.”

Waikato district’s Water & Facilities General Manager Richard Bax said a number of factors are taken into account when determining whether to introduce a new water alert level.

“The decision to move between alert levels is made based on factors such as consumption, weather forecasts and drought conditions, to river levels and annual trends,” he said.

About the water alert level system

Hamilton and Waikato’s water alert levels were developed in the summer of 2008/09, as part of Smart Water Use – a regional collaborative effort between Hamilton City Council, Waikato District Council, Environment Waikato and other territorial authorities throughout the greater Waikato, aimed at encouraging residents to regard water as a ‘limited and precious resource’ and promoting proactive water conservation.

The water alert levels and their corresponding restrictions aim to guide water use in a sustainable manner and ensure consistent supply throughout summer.

The water alert level system consists of four alert levels and corresponding restrictions:

• Alert level 1 – domestic sprinkler systems permitted between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm only
• Alert level 2 – domestic sprinklers would only be permitted between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm on alternating days.
• Alert level 3 – total ban on domestic sprinklers and restrictions on outdoor water use for commercial/non residential properties
• Alert level 4 – a total city-wide ban on all external non-essential use of water

The highest water alert level reached in Hamilton and the Waikato since the alert level system was introduced has been alert level 2, which was triggered during the past two summers.

More information on water consumption and alert levels is available on www.hamilton.co.nz/water and www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz.