High water usage

Ōtorohanga District Council is encouraging residents to use water wisely during the summer season to avoid water restrictions.

An increase in water use throughout the district has seen an increase in supply demand, which could lead to water restrictions coming in force across the Ōtorohanga district, including Kawhia.

Ōtorohanga District Council’s Services Manager Mark Lewis says due to the current warm weather conditions, Council is struggling with supply demands.

He asks that people be more conscious of their water use to help relieve pressure on the treatment plants.

“Water services staff are keeping a close eye on water use as there had been a marked increase in demand over the past fortnight,” he says.

“During summer, consumption of water rises so we need to undertake proactive management of this precious resource throughout the summer period so that we do not run out of water for our community.

“If demand continues to rise, it’s very likely water restrictions will be introduced.”

If water restrictions are needed they would be advertised in local newspapers, on Council's website and on its Facebook page.

 

Tips to save water around your house

  • Avoid using sprinklers  – hand water your garden using a hose
  • Shorten your shower. Each minute you add to your shower time uses about 12 litres of water
  • Don't just watch the shower warming up! Use a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up for use in your garden
  • When washing fruit and veggies, use a small bowl instead of a running tap. Then you can also reuse that water on your pot plants
  • Try reusing your greywater, greywater is water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, washing machines and laundry tubs. Irrigating your landscape with greywater will save drinking water resources. Re-using greywater will also ease the strain on your septic tank (if you have one), especially during the summer months. The simplest way to re-use greywater is to catch it in a large bendy bucket (the type with two handles) from your shower, washing machine and laundry sink and carry it outside to use.* Be sure to use ecofriendly soaps/detergents to avoid contamination, or reuse the water on non-edible parts of your garden. Greywater is produced every day, all year round and is a reliable source of irrigation

 

Roger Brady

Acting Chief Executive

Otorohanga District Council