Wellington residents are heading into summer with greater water security as investment in leak repairs and treatment upgrades begin to pay off.

Two summers ago there was a 33 percent chance of Level 4 restrictions being triggered. This summer, that risk is now below one percent under normal conditions.

Lower Hutt Mayor and Wellington Water Committee Chair Campbell Barry says the shift is thanks to a concerted effort over the past two years.

"We’ve made real progress. Thanks to major investment from Councils, Wellington Water has exceeded its annual savings target, cutting losses by 11 million litres a day. That’s a big win for the region," Mayor Barry said.

Open leaks are down 30 percent from this time last year, and 79 percent lower than they were at the height of summer in January 2024. The fully upgraded Te Mārua Water Treatment Plant is now adding 20 million litres a day of treatment capacity to help meet peak demand.

From 28 September, Level 1 restrictions will return across the region. These are light-touch rules like limiting sprinkler use to certain times of the day.

"Our water use is still high - about 25 percent more than in Auckland. But small changes at home still make a difference. We all have a part to play in protecting our water supply," Mayor Barry said.

Wellington Water’s long-term work continues, with a goal to cut water loss by another two million litres a day each year through to 2035.

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