Water restrictions loom if high use continues

Dunedin (Tuesday, 16 January 2018) – Dunedin residents are being asked to conserve water to avoid compulsory water restrictions.

Dunedin City Council Group Manager 3 Waters Tom Dyer says, “Water levels in our catchments are dropping and demand is increasing. We’re hoping for rain this week, but if we don’t get a decent rainfall and demand continues, we will need to move to the first level of compulsory restrictions before the weekend.”

The Otago Regional Council says the Taieri River has reached a record low level. Water levels are also dropping throughout the city’s catchment areas.

Voluntary water restrictions have been in place since early December, but water use has steadily increased since the start of the year and hit almost 60,000cu m on Monday. Normal demand is around 44,000cu m.

The first stage of compulsory restrictions would include restricting sprinkler use and washing of private cars to between 8pm and 8am. Irrigation of commercial nurseries and public gardens would also be allowed only in these hours.

There are a number of ways people can reduce their water use. The garden is the easiest place to save water. Some other simple tips include having shorter showers, turning off the tap when brushing teeth and using a small bowl rather than a full sink to wash vegetables.

Get more tips on how to conserve water at www.dunedin.govt.nz/saving-water.

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