Water restrictions on the horizon for Matamata-Piako

Matamata-Piako could see tougher water restrictions within the next week or two if the district doesn’t get any decent rain.

As high temperatures continue, and the warmer weather drives up water demand, the Matamata-Piako District Council is urging residents to reduce outdoor water use, and prevent the move to level 3 water restrictions.

Council’s water and wastewater manager Karl Pavlovich said water use is increasing but no substantial rainfall is predicted for the foreseeable future.

The council recently limited the use of sprinklers to alternate days between the hours of 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm, as water supply comes under pressure.

READ MORE:
* Water restriction levels lowered to level two in Matamata-Piako
* Matamata-Piako moves into water restriction level three
* Matamata-Piako moves to water restrictions level two

“Every drop of water that’s saved counts, and by reducing water usage now helps us manage what water we have the weeks or months ahead,” Pavlovich said.

The restrictions are nothing new for the district that’s been combating weather woes for years. Morrinsville’s reservoir typically runs the risk of running dry during summer and it was the first town to move into a complete water ban last year.

Council approved spending $6.9m on two additional water sources for Morrinsville as part of its long term plan.

It’s looking like the third summer in a row where it’s dryer and warmer than normal, Pavlovich said.

“The extremely warm weather is predicted to continue and by starting to look after our water now, that could help minimise the time spent at more restrictive levels,” Pavlovich said.

While the district remain in level 2 water restrictions, residents are being asked to conserve water wherever possible, inside and outside of the home and office.

“This isn’t the time to be re-filling the pool, water blasting the driveway or cleaning the outside of the house. Think twice before using the town water supply for non-essential purposes.”

At level two, sprinklers and garden irrigation systems should only be used on alternate days between the hours of 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm.

Watering on alternate days means addresses with even street numbers should water on days with even dates in the month, for example, 22nd, 24th, 26th and so on. Odd letter box numbers can water on days with odd dates, for example, 23rd, 25th, 27th.

For upates and tips keep an eye on the Council’s Facebook page or for ideas to help get you started go to water saving tips.