Watering restrictions across metropolitan Wellington and in Featherston and Greytown will remain in place as water supply levels remain low for this time of year.

The ban on using sprinklers in Wellington, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Porirua, Featherston and Greytown will remain in place until further notice.

“The rain this week helped to reduce demand, but we need sustained rainfall so that the catchments can be replenished,” says Laurence Edwards, Chief Advisor Drinking Water at Wellington Water.

“Traditionally water restrictions get lifted when Daylight Saving ends, but source water levels are still too low for us to move out of the restrictions this weekend, and there is more dry weather forecast for most of next week.”

“We are hopeful that with a further sustained period of rain and continued low use by the community, that we can move out of restrictions shortly.”

What the ban means:

• The use of sprinklers and all unattended residential watering systems is banned
• Careful watering by handheld hose is still permitted on alternate days (odd numbered houses on odd numbered days, even numbered houses on even numbered days)
• Councils, golf courses and bowling greens are asked to manage their watering programmes carefully.

How residents can save water:

• Follow water saving tips like using buckets to wash the car, or a broom to sweep the path, rather than the hose
• Use hand held watering methods for your garden
• Report leaks – if you notice any leaks, please call your local council, so we can prioritise these for repair as soon as possible.

For more water saving tips: visit www.watcheverydrop.nz

Wellington Water Contact

Anna Hughes