Sun’s out but leave the hose in the shed!
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Updated 9am, 15 March, 2017

As Auckland returns to normal after the weather phenomenon the ‘Tasman Tempest’, water consumption yesterday was 409 million litres, 10 million less than on Monday (March 13).

Aucklanders are using less water than this time last week, but missed the daily target of 400 million litres for the second day in a row.

“Auckland has demonstrated that we can reduce our water consumption without significant inconvenience. But as the weather improves and the weekend’s storms become a distant memory, we run the risk of forgetting the need to reduce water use,” says Raveen Jaduram, Watercare Chief Executive Officer.

“The reality is we are still dealing with 100 times more silt at our Ardmore treatment plant. And so we need to remember every day to reduce our water use by 20 litres of water per person. Avoid the temptation to wash the car and ensure auto-irrigation systems are turned off. Aucklanders have shown we can do it and we’ve made great gains, we just have to remember to keep doing it.”

We acknowledged the work being done by commercial customers to support water savings. “We welcome Z and Caltex closing their commercial car washes across Auckland in an effort to reduce water use and encourage other businesses to follow their lead,” adds Jaduram.

Jaduram says we are doing everything we can to avoid a boil water notice, including increasing capacity at all treatment plants at sustainable levels.

Five easy ways to reduce your water use:

1. Cut your shower time by two minutes. Approximate saving = 16 litres
2. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. Approximate saving = 4 litres
3. Only run your dishwasher when it’s full.
4. Only run your washing machine when it’s full.
5. Use the half-flush on your toilet.

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