Keep the Wai in Waimakariri
There are plenty of easy ways to save water at home and in the garden. These small actions add up, especially during summer.
- Keep a jug of cold water in the fridge instead of running the tap
- Wash vegetables or rinse dishes in a bowl or plugged sink
- Use the minimum amount of detergent when washing dishes by hand
- Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
- Install aerated taps — they can reduce water flow by up to 50%
- Keep showers short (five minutes or less) and consider a low‑flow shower head
- Turn the tap off while brushing teeth, shaving or soaping hands
- Use water‑efficient appliances with a good WELS rating
- Avoid using in‑sink waste disposal units — compost organic waste instead
Outdoor water use is one of the biggest contributors to summer water demand. A few simple changes can make a big difference.
- Water gardens early in the morning or after sunset
- Avoid watering on windy days to reduce evaporation
- Water the soil, not leaves, paths or paved areas
- Use a trigger nozzle on hoses to control water flow
- Use water sparingly on hot days, when demand is highest
- Sweep driveways and paths instead of hosing them down
- Wash cars with a bucket of soapy water and rinse quickly
- Check outdoor taps, pipes and sprinklers for leaks
- Report leaks on roads, berms or footpaths to the Council
Water Conservation in Waimakariri
We’re lucky in the Waimakariri District to have a reliable supply of high‑quality water for our community. Even so, we all share a responsibility to use water wisely and look after this irreplaceable resource.
Water conservation in Waimakariri is especially important during the warmer months, when demand on our water supply increases and reservoirs are under more pressure.
Why summer water use matters
Each summer, water use across the Waimakariri District can be up to four times higher than on a typical winter day. Hot weather, garden watering, and outdoor activities all contribute to peak water demand.
Summer is also when water is most scarce. Making small changes to how and when we use water — particularly outdoors — can help reduce pressure on our water schemes and avoid the need for water restrictions.
Let’s change the way we think about summer water use.
Summer water use in Waimakariri
From December to February, we encourage everyone to think and act as though we are in Level 1 water restrictions, voluntarily.
This means:
- Using unattended hoses and sprinklers every second day only
- Watering gardens and lawns before sunrise or after sunset, when evaporation is lower
- Basing watering days on your house number:
- Even‑numbered houses water on even dates
- Odd‑numbered houses water on odd dates
For example, if your house number is 21, garden watering should only happen on odd dates such as the 1st, 3rd, or 5th of the month.
You can still do other outdoor water use, like washing your car — we just ask that you try to do this on your allocated watering day and avoid the evening peak period between 4pm and 8pm, when water demand is highest.
By using water a little differently in summer, we can help avoid compulsory water restrictions and protect our local water supply.
Looking after our water together
Water is a shared resource, and conserving water helps protect our community’s water supply now and into the future.
By making small, practical changes we can all help keep the wai in Waimakariri.
SMART WateringSMART stands for Sustainably Managed, Accountable, Responsible and Trusted water use. It is public awareness campaign supported by local and regional councils, industry partners and Irrigation NZ. It teaches farmers and urban people how to be efficient with water use. For other tips and information, check out the SMART Watering website. |
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