Water restrictions from today for Hastings

With water demand increasing thanks to hotter weather, water restrictions are starting today (Monday 18 December).; Level 2 across Hastings and Level 3 in Waimārama.

Originally scheduled for Wednesday this week, the restrictions have been brought forward due to the increased use over the weekend.

“There are several reasons we need to do this,” said Hastings District Council three waters manager Steve Cave.

“The level of demand we saw over the weekend reduces pressure to a point that residents at the furthest reaches of the network don’t receive enough water, it also triggers a condition of our Resource Consent from Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, and, of course, we need to take care not to over-use what is a precious resource.”

At Level 2, hoses and sprinklers can only be used between 6am and 8am and 7pm and 9pm every second day: odd numbered homes on odd dates, even numbered homes on even dates.

The Level 2 restrictions apply to all homes on a public Hastings District Council supply, including small community supplies, except Waimārama.

For Waimārama residents, a Level 3 restriction is being introduced today, which means there is a full sprinkler ban, with only hand-held hoses able to be used on alternate days between 6am and 8am, and 7pm and 9pm.

As well as conserving water, using hoses and sprinklers during these cooler times of the day means gardens absorb water more effectively and efficiently.

Hastings District and Napier City Council will be reviewing their watering programmes for parks and gardens in the same way that residents are being asked to.

Putting low level restrictions in at this stage is hoped to help avoid higher level restrictions being imposed further into summer, depending on the weather.

Tips for saving water inside the home:

•  check for leaks and fix any leaking taps, pipes or cisterns

•  use 'eco' settings on dishwashers and washing machines if available and don’t run them unless they are full

•  scrape dirty dishes rather than rinsing

•  turn off taps while brushing teeth

•  take shorter showers

•  limit toilet flushing: if it's yellow let it mellow

•  store drinking water in the fridge instead of running the tap cold.

Tips for saving water outside the home:

•  follow the water restrictions

•  don't water the concrete, use a directional sprinkler

•  reuse 'grey water' from the washing machine on lawns and gardens where possible

•  use a bucket of water when washing the car, rather than the hose

•  use a broom to clean paths rather than a hose.

18 December 2023

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