Coromandel water consumption up this summer

Large increases in water consumption have put pressure on some of the Coromandel Peninsula's hot spots and holidaymakers are still being asked to think twice before turning on the tap.

The amount of water used in Matarangi, Whangamata, Pauanui, Hahei and Tairua has risen by about a third between December 22nd and January 10th compared to a year earlier.

During this period Hahei's water consumption was up by 49 per cent on average over last year, Matarangi up by 33%, Pauanui and Whangamata both up by 25% and Tairua up by 21%.

Total hose and sprinkler ban water restrictions were imposed in the five beach towns to maintain supply and comply with resource consent conditions over the last two weeks.

Conversely, consumption in Whitianga has fallen 23 per cent and Coromandel is down 20 per cent on last year.

Operations manager Greg Hampton said that "although at this stage we are unsure as to the reason for higher consumption it may well be due to the dry conditions we are experiencing. It will be interesting to see the results of the peak population study to see if an increase in visitor numbers is a factor.

"Council appreciates the cooperation the majority of the community has given with the water restrictions, although a minority continues to blatantly breach restrictions to the detriment of the community as a whole.

"We are still asking people to be water smart, comply with the water restrictions and conserve water wherever possible."