Following the recent warm and dry weather, a significant increase in water use, and dropping river levels, a ban on the use of sprinklers and irrigation systems is being put in place for metropolitan Wellington and South Wairarapa.

On the advice of our water manager, Wellington Water, South Wairarapa District Council is joining the Hutt, Porirua, Upper Hutt and Wellington city councils and Greater Wellington Regional Council to move to Water Restriction Level 2 from midnight Friday 21 January.

Water Restriction Level 2 means there is a ban on sprinklers and irrigation systems, but handheld watering devices can be used at any time, on any day, so long as they’re not left unattended.

Wellington Water’s Chief Advisor Drinking Water Laurence Edwards said there has been a rapid increase in water use.

“The very high level of demand means we could have supply issues if left unchecked,” he said.

“Our water treatment plants are working at capacity to treat and deliver this amount of water, and anything above the current demand will put a strain on our ability to provide safe drinking water.”

“It’s important to reduce demand now so we can continue to provide enough safe and healthy drinking water for the summer period.”

“In addition to this, the weather forecast over the next few weeks is for more hot and dry weather.”

Two tips to help you save water:

• Repairing leaks in your property. A single leaking toilet can increase your water consumption by more than 60%. This is enough to fill an average pool three times over in a year.

• Sweep/brush outdoor surfaces instead hosing them down.

More tips to save water can be found on the Wellington Water website.