Council warns of total outdoor watering bans

Recent high temperatures and leaks that are a result of the 23 December earthquake, have pushed water consumption levels dangerously close to the Level 4 trigger point, which means Christchurch City and Lyttelton Harbour communities are likely to face a total outdoor watering ban this summer.

Council City Water and Waste Manager Mark Christison says the public’s compliance with the restrictions over the last three months, as well as wet weather during November and parts of December, have helped to keep the City’s water supply network running smoothly. However, warmer weather and increased leakage resulting from the recent aftershocks is starting to put a strain on the system and, with the hottest part of the season yet to come, the likelihood of a total outdoor watering ban is high.

“Since the restrictions were introduced in October, we’ve been tracking pretty well. The public have got on board and supported the restrictions and we’ve managed to keep below the Level 4 trigger point,” says Mr Christison.

“The few hot days that we had in early December, however, meant water consumption significantly increased which is a real worry. The public needs to be aware that total bans are probable.”

The Level 3 water restrictions currently in place mean:

Unattended hoses, sprinklers and garden irrigation systems are not permitted at any time.
No outdoor water use on Mondays.

Even numbered properties (e.g. Street Numbers 2, 4, 6, 8) - hand-held (hand-held hoses, watering cans, etc) watering only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Odd numbered properties (e.g. Street Numbers 3, 5, 7, 9) - hand-held (hand-held hoses, watering cans, etc) watering only on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Car washing is permitted on your allocated days.

Mr Christison says the Council will notify the public if total outdoor watering bans are in place via public notices, radio and print advertising and on the website www.becomewaterwise.co.nz