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Waikato District Council - Te Kaunihera aa Takiwaa o Waikato

Water restrictions

Current water restrictions

There is an Alert Level 3 water restriction for the southern part of the Waikato District

Water alert level 3 across WDC area

 

Tauwhare, Gordonton, Tamahere, Matangi, Newstead, Eureka, Wallace Road, Stonebridge Estate: are under an Alert Level 3 water restriction. Please visit the SmartWater website for updates.

What does this mean?

  • Sprinklers are banned
  • Hand held hoses may be used at any time
  • Switch off irrigation systems and prioritise watering fruit and vegetables only.
  • Use a trigger on your hose to direct water where you need it most.
  • Use a cover on permanent and portable pools to prevent 97% of water evaporating and use appropriate chemicals to keep the water fresh.
  • Do not wash windows, footpaths, driveways, buildings and cars unless safety is an issue. If water is required, use a bucket instead of your hose or water blaster.
  • Collect water from showering, cooking, washing and rain and re-use in your garden.

 

Rest of Waikato District: no current restrictions

FAQ

Why are restrictions necessary?
Water restrictions are sometimes enforced so we can cater for the fluctuation in demand. During peak times (typically summer) where there is less rainfall, is usually when a restriction would be implemented.
What is being done to manage the situation?

Northern parts of the district receive water supply from Watercare Auckland.

Watercare has been maximising production at their Waikato and Onehunga water treatment plants and have been delivering up to 170 million litres of water a day. Without these vital plants, Auckland would be out of water by now. 

Watercare have been expanding the Waikato Water Treatment Plant step-by-step to stay ahead of population growth. When it was first built in 2002, it produced 50 million litres of water a day. Since then, there have been five upgrades so that it can now produce 150 million litres a day. 

Southern parts of the district receive water supply from Hamilton City Council.

Hamilton City Council (smartwater) services Tauwhare, Gordonton, Matangi, Newstead, Eureka, Tamahere, Wallace Road and Stonebridge Estate.

The rest of the district receive water supply from Waikato District Council.

The central scheme services Ngaruawahia, Hopuhopu, Horotiu and Taupiri.

The mid Waikato scheme services Te Kauwhata and Rangiriri.

The Huntly scheme services Huntly.

The Raglan scheme services Raglan and all surrounding areas including Whanga Coast.

The Te Kowhai scheme services Te Kowhai.

The Meremere scheme services Meremere.

The Maramaraua scheme services Maramarua.

How can you help?

No matter where you live in the district, there are things you can do to reduce your water usage.

Refer to our how can I save water page for more tips.

 
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