Sprinkler restrictions introduced in Hamilton
Sprinkler restrictions introduced in Hamilton
22 DECEMBER
2009
For Immediate Release
Hamilton residents are permitted to only use their sprinkler systems between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm, following the introduction of water alert level 1 in the city today.
Hamilton City Council City Waters manager Tim Harty said the water alert level was triggered due to increasing daily water consumption figures over the past week and forecasts for fine weather ahead over the Christmas/New Year period.
“Prior to the introduction of the water alert level system last summer, water restrictions were automatically introduced in Hamilton on 1 December each year, which wasn’t reflective of actual water consumption levels or associated factors such as weather or drought conditions,” said Mr Harty.
“By using our current water alert level system, we are able to base the city’s water restrictions on what is appropriate due to water usage and other related factors – so it is a much more accurate and proactive way of guiding the city’s water use to ensure a consistent supply throughout summer.
“For example, during the first part of this month the city’s water demand was in line with expectations for this time of year and with the weather remaining mild, no restrictions were required. Now that consumption levels are increasing and with forecasts predicting fine weather over the holiday period, it is seen as an appropriate time to introduce the first level of water restrictions to effectively manage consumption throughout this period.”
Hamilton’s water alert level system consists of four alert levels and corresponding restrictions. Water alert levels 1 sees domestic sprinkler systems permitted between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm only, while alert level 2 means domestic sprinklers would only be permitted between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm on alternating days. Alert level 3 triggers a total ban on domestic sprinklers and restrictions on outdoor water use for commercial/non residential properties, while alert level 4 would see a total, city-wide ban on all external non-essential use of water.
Last summer the highest water alert level reached in the city was alert level 2.
ENDS