Martinborough will move to Level 2 Water Restrictions at 12.01AM on Monday 24 February 2025, joining Featherston and Greytown that moved to Level 2 on Monday 17 February.
The Level 2 Water Restrictions means a ban on all sprinklers, soaker hoses, irrigation systems, and any unattended watering systems for residential households. Residents can still water their garden using hand at any time (e.g. a garden hose), on any day, so long as they are not left unattended.
This decision has been made due to increasing demand on water and the impact of recent dry weather on the Ruamahanga River levels.
At Level 2 Water Restrictions in Martinborough there is an additional ban on commercial irrigation during the day, between 7am to 7pm. The Council will also restrict its irrigation of reserves and parks.
“Wellington Water has recommended that Martinborough join the rest of the District at Level 2 Water Restrictions to help us reduce water demand now and the risk of having more severe, longer water restrictions later on,” says Stefan Corbett, South Wairarapa District Council’s Group Manager, Infrastructure & Community Operations.
“The restrictions apply to residential properties across the district and businesses in Martinborough. We ask that everyone play their part to reduce their water usage where possible including businesses outside of Martinborough. If we all do our bit, then we can hopefully avoid further restrictions.”
Wellington Water will continue to closely monitor the need for further restrictions and work closely with South Wairarapa District Council with dry weather anticipated to continue over the coming weeks.
“We encourage everyone to make simple changes to reduce their water use. Small changes such as taking shorter showers (no more than 4 minutes), not running the tap while brushing your teeth, and only doing full loads of washing can all make a real difference.”
For more helpful water saving tips, visit Wellington Water’s website: https://www.wellingtonwater.co.nz/resources/topic/water-conservation/water-calculator/
Please note, that this change only affects the South Wairarapa District. This change does not impact metropolitan Wellington residents as South Wairarapa’s water supply and drinking water networks are separate from the metropolitan Wellington region. The metropolitan Wellington region remains at Level 1 Restrictions.
Water Restrictions – what they mean for residents
Level Two
- No irrigation or sprinklers
- Water your garden using a hand-held hose only at any time, so long as it’s not unattended
Level Three
- Stop all outdoor water use.
- Consider using less water indoors
- Businesses encouraged to be pragmatic and responsible
Level Four
- Significantly reduce indoor water use – by up to 50% – to ensure there is enough water for everyone
- Stop all outdoor water use.
- Business to also significantly reduce water use
ENDS
