Water restrictions are in place for Levin and Ōhau after a spike in demand has hit a plummeting supply.
The level one water restrictions mean soaker hoses and garden sprinklers can only be used between 5am to 7am and from 7pm to 9pm (file image). Photo: 123RF
Water flow in the Ōhau River has dropped below 2500 litres per second, while the demand for water is rising above 10,000 cubic metres per day.
The level one water restrictions mean soaker hoses and garden sprinklers can only be used between 5am to 7am and from 7pm to 9pm.
The restrictions also limit when people can water their garden to alternate days, depending on what street number a resident lives on.
Houses with even street numbers can water on even dates while houses with odd street numbers can water on odd dates.
Handheld hoses, watering cans or buckets can be used at any time. However, hosing of paved areas is banned unless it is required due to an accident, fire, health hazard or other emergency.
Level one water restrictions were put in place for Foxton and Foxton Beach on Friday 18 December until further notice due to increasing demand for water.
There are currently no water restrictions in place for Shannon and Tokomaru.
Horowhenua District Council is monitoring river levels and water use, and status updates will be published on the council's [www.horowhenua.govt.nz website] and [www.facebook.com/HorowhenuaDC Facebook] page.
Roadside signs are in place that indicate the level of water restrictions.
Water saving tips:
- Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving
- Check your toilet cistern, taps, and pipes for leaks or overflow
- Use a bucket of water and a soft sponge or mop for outdoor cleaning jobs
- Sweep up garden waste, rather than hosing it away
- Do only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher
- Take shorter showers
- Use a bowl or plug in the sink when washing vegetables or hand-washing dishes
- Install a dual-flush toilet cistern
