Time to think about conserving water

With summer upon us, Hastings and Napier residents are being urged to use less water to help reduce the possibility of lengthy shortages and restrictions.

There are simple things everyone can do to help manage demand on the water supply over the months ahead, and these are outlined in a campaign that’s been launched by the Hastings District, Hawke’s Bay Regional and Napier City councils.

By working together and all doing our bit we can conserve thousands of litres of water every day in the urban areas.

Did you know:

• Taps can use six to 12 litres of water every minute, depending on the flow
• An average toilet flush uses five to 12 litres of water
• A dripping tap can waste up to 33 litres of water per day
• Typically 70 per cent of household water is used in the laundry and bathroom (every minute in the shower uses 14 litres of water)
• Sprinklers can use as much water in one hour as a family uses in one day
• On average New Zealanders use 227 litres of water per day.

How can we conserve this precious resource?

It all comes down to taking small actions – fix that leaking tap, only do full loads of washing, don’t let the water run when you’re brushing your teeth, take shorter showers, lift the lawnmower blade up a notch so the grass doesn’t dry out so fast and use mulch in the garden to reduce evaporation and lessen the need for sprinkler use.

By making small changes as individuals, Hawke’s Bay people can make a big difference collectively when it comes to conserving water.

Keep an eye out over the coming weeks for more information and tips, and do your bit to reduce and conserve.

If and when restrictions are introduced, follow the advice at the four restriction levels to help ensure there’s enough for everyone.

5 December 2022

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