Councils urge residents to be water smart this summer

With a sticky summer on the way, Hamilton City, Waikato District, and Waipā District Councils are reminding everyone across the Waikato to be smart about how they use water. 

Recent seasonal forecasts indicate that La Niña conditions are in place across the region which usually means more humid conditions. 

Hamilton City Council’s Three Waters Unit Director Maire Porter said while Council has made some significant investments in Hamilton’s treatment plant, residents still need to be mindful of how much water they use. 

“It’s typical to see the city’s water use nearly double during the summer months, so it’s important we all play our part,” Porter said. 

A large portion of summer water demand comes from outdoor use such as sprinklers – the filling of pools, and garden hoses. Running a sprinkler for an hour can use up to 1000 litres of water, the same amount as filling 12 bathtubs. 

Waipā District Council’s Water Services Manager, Karl Pavlovich said building good habits around water use is easy for everyone. 

“It’s the little actions such as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or watering gardens only once or twice a week, that will help us share this precious resource so there is enough for everyone,” he said. 

Using a pool cover when you aren’t swimming will greatly reduce the amount of evaporation over the summer, prevent insects and leaves getting into the water, and reduce the amount of chemicals needed - you could also consider making use of your local public or school pool. 

Taking shorter showers can save more water than you’d think. Each minute you spend in the shower uses about 12 litres of water. A 10-minute shower can use as much water as a full bathtub. 

Waikato District Council has recently rejoined the Smart Water programme, just in time for summer. 

“It’s important to remember that water is a treasure, and a finite resource that we often take for granted,” says General Manager Assets and Infrastructure Megan May. 

“We’re delighted to be able to join the Smart Water shared services programme, and to be able to team up with Hamilton City and Waipā District to work together towards the common goal of educating our communities on the importance of valuing wai in the Waikato.” 
 

About Smart Water and partnering councils  

The Smart Water starts with you! sub-regional campaign is a partnership between Hamilton City Council, Waikato District Council and Waipā District Council. 

The campaign aims to make long-term changes to how we use water by fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of water from source to tap. Smart Water supports schools, organisations, and the community to value water and use it in an efficient way. 

Check out smartwater.org.nz for more information and great water saving tips!