Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Sprinkler ban for region’s four cities in force this week

Sprinkler ban for region’s four cities in force from Saturday

A ban on the use of garden sprinklers and irrigation systems will come into force from 12am, Saturday 7 March in Porirua, Hutt, Wellington, and Upper Hutt.

The four city councils have agreed to impose this next stage of their watering restrictions at the request of Wellington Water, which manages their water supply.

If there’s no significant break in the dry weather, or if demand stays too high, more stringent restrictions could be introduced in as little as two to three weeks, says Noel Roberts, Operations Manager for Wellington Water.

The need for the ban was triggered by the reduced availability of water from rivers, after record dry weather in January. The Wainuiomata Water Treatment Plant – one of three treatment plants that serve the four cities – is no longer operating due to lack of water.

“While some rain is forecast for the weekend, we need at least a week of significant rainfall to improve things,” Mr Roberts said.
“The point of the sprinkler ban is to ensure there’s enough water to meet essential needs over the coming weeks.

“We need to keep water use down to below 150 million litres per day. If we can keep demand for water low, then what we’ve got will last longer and we can hopefully avoid a major water shortage.”

The ban means that household use of garden sprinklers, irrigation systems and other forms of unattended watering are not permitted at any time. Careful watering by hand is still okay.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Wellington Water is assessing the situation daily. If demand stays high, or water availability continues to fall, city councils may impose a total ban on outdoor water use.


Ideas to save water:

· Use a flow control trigger on hoses

· Sweep up garden waste instead of hosing it away

· Put off non-essential outdoor jobs, like washing windows or the car, until the water supply situation improves

· Run only full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine only

· Fill sinks and basins less full than usual

· Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth


ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.