While handheld hoses can be used anytime, sprinklers can only be turned on between 6-8am and 6-8pm under level one restrictions.
Water services manager Karl Pavlovich said restrictions have been put in place due to the hot start to summer, which has pushed water demand around 40 percent above the usual December average.
Waipā normally uses around 25 million litres a day in December. So far this month, average daily use has been around 35 million litres.
“Summer is when our water use is highest, and our supply rivers are at their lowest, even with a bit of rain in the forecast this week,” says Pavlovich. “There is a limit to what we can take from our rivers, and our treatment plants can only produce a certain amount every day.”
Everyone can help conserve water. Small changes, like turning off taps while brushing your teeth and limiting garden sprinkler use, make a real difference in keeping enough water available for everyone.
The alert level one restrictions will remain in place over the holiday break and will be reviewed in the New Year.
More information and tips on saving water go to www.smartwater.org.nz