Hamilton's water consumption fluctuates
Hamilton’s water consumption continues to fluctuate a week after Level 3 water restrictions were introduced.
Hamilton City Council City Waters Manager Tim Harty says although the efforts of city residents have been significant, with no rain forecast for another two weeks and an agricultural drought declared residents need to keep up water conservation efforts.
Over the last week, Hamilton’s water usage has been between 69 million litres and 63 million litres.
"We’re hugely grateful for the efforts people have made. The savings are significant, and every little bit counts."
Mr Harty says it’s important Hamiltonians understand that although sprinkler use is prohibited on private residential properties, they can still use handheld hoses.
"We’ve also had feedback from the community on this particular aspect of the current Water Alert Level - Level 3 - and there does seem to be some misunderstanding. We assure the community the use of hand held hoses to water their gardens and lawns is okay."
Mr Harty says the business community is doing its bit to contribute to the water saving, and Council has been communicating directly with a number of commercial users to assist them in efficiently managing their water use. Organisations such as sports clubs and Council’s Parks and Open Spaces will need to continue to water fields or parks as these are key community assets. Where possible, irrigation programmes have been adjusted to be more efficient.
"We are aware that to some residents there seems to be a double-standard here: they’ve seen commercial users operating sprinklers when residents are not allowed to. Following discussions with a number of key commercial users, we have agreed a daily window of time during which they can use sprinklers with the key focus being the efficient use of water."
The dry summer and move to Water Level 3 means it is the first time Council has placed restrictions on commercial and non-residential water use.
"Businesses still need water at this time and a lot of them have made voluntary changes to contribute."
The Waikato River is the water source for several communities between Taupo and Auckland, and both river and lake levels are dropping.
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