Water conservation measures in force for all Hastings District Council supplies (except Waimarama)

Residents on community water supplies in the Hastings District are being reminded of the need to make a serious effort to conserve water, as the hot, dry conditions begin to take their toll on lawns and gardens around the district.

The second stage of water conservation measures have now been implemented as the mercury climbs and summer temperatures take hold. These measures require that residents only use their sprinkler or hose between 6am and 8am in the morning and 7pm and 9pm in the evening. This does not apply to residents in Waimarama who are already on a total irrigation ban.

Chair of the Works and Services Committee, Councillor Margaret Twigg says, “Our water resource is precious. Small savings in water use now can mean less impact on residents in the height of summer. With the recent warm, settled weather and predictions of a hot, dry summer, it is inevitable that we will have to impose water conservation measures in the urban area this summer, and current water consumption is close to the limits set by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. The second stage of water conservation measures are now in place; how stringent these become will depend on how well the community responds to saving water.”

Margaret Twigg says “There are so many small steps we can all make that add up to a significant water saving each day. At this time of year it is our garden and lawn irrigation that really stretches our ability to cope and some residents in the more elevated areas of Havelock North are already being affected by reduced pressure caused by increased consumption.

“You should always water the garden at cooler times of the day, in the morning or evening, to minimise evaporation and water wastage and remember to wash the car on the lawn. That way you get a clean car and the lawn is watered at the same time.” “If we are sensible about our water use then further restrictions might be avoided. A lot depends on how well we respond to these early measures.”

Hastings District Council monitors daily water use and that information is available on http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/water

To find out about other simple changes which will help reduce your water consumption go to http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/water-conservation