Always use a twist or trigger nozzle when using your hose.
Use a timer with your sprinkler or irrigation system and be mindful where you position it so that you are watering plants, not paved areas.
Use a cover on permanent and portable pools to prevent evaporation and use appropriate chemicals to keep the water fresh.
Use a broom and/or bucket to clean hard surfaces such as footpaths and driveways.
Wash your car/boat/caravan on an area of lawn where possible.
Shorten your shower. Visit your council reception & ask for your free shower timer to make this easier.*
Check out our smart water play ideas to keep your kids cool and your water use low. If your children like to play under the sprinkler, or they have toys that attach to the hose, they can use these to keep cool. Use a timer and don’t forget to turn the water off at the end.
Use water from your rainwater tank or grey water wherever possible.
Check out our water saving tips for more ideas on how to be smart with water.
At Alert Levels 1 and 2, water restrictions apply to businesses who don't use water as an essential activity. For example, if you wish to water a shrub or garden outside your premises, you can only use a sprinkler during the restricted times.
If your business uses water as an essential activity such as landscaping, sports fields or nurseries, outdoor watering is allowed. However, we ask that you practice efficient watering methods whenever possible.
*Hamilton City Council and Waipā District Council and Waitomo District Council areas only.
If you notice someone not being smart with water, let us know!
And keep up to date with water alert changes
Millions of litres of water are extracted every day from our river for us to use. It is our collective responsibility to ensure we look after our life-giving water. We must all protect and guard it and use it when we need to but never waste it.
One cubic metre of water is the same as 1,000 litres of water.
One megalitre of water is the same as 1,000,000 litres of water.
