It's United Nations World Water Day March 22nd. This year's theme is 'Water for peace'
A prolonged spell of dry warm weather and high water demand has prompted Waikato District and Hamilton City Councils to move to Water Alert Level 2, effective from Saturday 17 January.
Waipa District Council moved to Water Alert Level 2 earlier this week.
This change to Alert Level 2 means sprinklers and watering systems can only be used on alternate days (e.g. even street numbers on even days; odd street numbers on odd days) between 6- 8am and 6- 8pm, while hand-held hosing can be used any time.
Waikato District Council Waters Manager, Martin Mould said a significant increase in water consumption combined with consistently high temperatures and a lack of rain has prompted the move to Level 2.
“Although we do need to move to Water Alert Level 2, the ongoing water consumption efforts of the community have not gone unnoticed. We want to thank those who conserved water so far this summer by not leaving their hoses running and doing simple things like waiting until they had a full load before washing clothes or dishes.
“Going forward it’s important we continue to make a conscious effort to reduce our water use. Watering during the early morning and later in the evening will help minimise wastage, save water during the hottest part of the day and ensure plants and lawns get the greatest benefit.”
Hamilton City Council Acting Waters Manager, Trent Fowles, said the water operations teams from around the sub-region will continue to meet frequently to assess water levels and weather forecasts.
“In terms of weather and demand, we can’t fully predict what will happen over the next few weeks,” he said, “ but moving to Alert Level Two and abiding by these simple watering rules will help safeguard our water supply and give us a better chance of getting through the rest of the summer without the need for further restrictions.
“We’d like to thank everyone who has already been taking the Smart Water messages on board and helping conserve our city’s water.”
The Smart Water Starts with You! sub-regional summer campaign aims to make long-term change to how we use water and is a joint venture between Waikato District Council, Hamilton City Council, and Waipa District Council.
For more information:
Kate Doran
Communications Advisor | Hamilton City Council
Ph: 07 838 6666 or 021791264
Nicole Nooyen
Communications Advisor | Waikato District Council
Ph: 07 824 8633 extn 5649