Waitomo - You're on

From Hamilton and parts of Waipā, your water comes from rainfall in the mountains around Lake Taupō. Water flows into the mighty Waikato River bringing life-giving sustenance to the region.

Waipā also relies on local rainfall to feed Mangauika Stream and to supply bore water (water seeps through the soil filling aquifers deep underground).

Waitomo District relies on local rainfall to feed Mangaokewa Stream for Te Kuiti; a surface and underground stream for Piopio and a spring for Mokau.

We are privileged to have water on tap 24 hours a day but it is not a finite resource and we can't take it for granted. Even in New Zealand we can run short of water at times due to rising population,  changes in climate patterns or other factors that put pressure on supply. 

Water is the life giver of all things – ko to wai ora ngā mea katoa.  By using water carefully, we are protecting the health and well-being of our waterways. We are also ensuring that water is not wasted and there will be enough to go around when rain is scarce.

Water infrastructure, including treatment plants and pipes, is expensive. Reducing the amount of water that we use reduces the pressure on our existing infrastructure and can prevent or delay increased investment in new infrastructure. Using less water also reduces the amount of energy needed to provide clean safe water and to treat waste water.

• Water is taken from different sources depending on the area. There may be a water shortage due to lack of rain. 
• The capacity to treat water varies between areas.  Demand for water may outstrip supply. 
• Water consumption can vary with some areas using more water than other areas - this may be from residential, industrial or agricultural demand. 
• Water supply can be affected by algal growth or ensuring there is enough water for fire fighting purposes.

When lots of water is being used, the flow to springs, streams and rivers can be reduced and neighbouring bores can also be affected. If bore levels continue to decline over a long time, it can reduce the future availability of water.  A lot of rural homes rely on bores for their water.

For springs that are connected to coastal aquifers, over-extracting water increases the risk of saltwater being drawn into the fresh water reserves. This can make the spring permanently unsuitable for drinking and many other uses (irrigation, watering etc). Taking water sensibly from the bores and springs also means that we are protecting our future water supplies.