Taupo council urges residents to conserve water

Ongoing drought conditions mean Taupo residents need to seriously start conserving water or restrictions may be put in place.

Lake Taupo is at the lowest level it has been for five years and Council is urging Taupo District residents to play their part in conserving water at home and in the garden.

The Waikato Region has had a long dry spring and summer with minimal rain and it is predicted these conditions will continue into autumn. This weather has been enjoyable for residents and visitors to the region however it now means we have severe drought conditions.

Lake Taupo flows into the Waikato River and downstream it provides a water supply to industry, farmers, towns and cities and animals and plants. Water restrictions have been in place downstream in Hamilton, Waipa and Waikato Districts for some time now. Many industries and businesses - local, national and international - rely on the lake and the river. Low lake levels lead to low river levels, which puts our river’s eco-systems at risk.

Council’s Infrastructure Services Group Manager Ted Anderson said, “We are spoilt in Taupo with our access to water, however we are not the only ones that depend on the lake for water supply.”

Our communities need to take action and do their bit to conserve water for the good of the region,” he said.

Mayor Rick Cooper is encouraging residents to be aware of their water usage.

“Simple things like not watering the gardens every day and turning off the tap while cleaning your teeth or having a shave make a difference.”

“Lets do our bit now and hopefully we can avoid severe water restrictions in the future,” said the Mayor.

SAVING WATER TIPS

Here are some easy ways to save water – remember, every drop counts!

Saving water in your garden

· Be sensible with watering your garden - only water during the early morning or evening and water close to the ground

· Make sure you are not watering the footpath or road!

· If you water your lawn try to do it for only 30 minutes twice a week

· Reset your lawnmower so that it cuts at a height of 2cm or more - it will still look trim but the extra height means the grass can shade the soil preventing it from drying out so quickly

· Mulch your garden and protect your soil from the drying effects of the sun and wind - this can cut evaporation of water from the soil by 70% and keeps the weeds down too

· Use efficient watering devices, such as triggers that stop water flows as you move between plant beds, and soak hoses or drip irrigation systems rather than sprinklers

· If you are planting a new garden use native plants that are adapted to our Taupo climate.

· Sweep driveways and paths rather than using the hose.

Saving water in the house

· Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving

· Wash dishes and rinse vegetables in a sink of water rather than under a running tap

· Replace worn washers on taps to prevent leakage and check your toilet for water trickling down inside the toilet bowl – if it is leaking, fix it

· Keep your shower short and sweet and replace shower heads and taps with water efficient, low flow alternatives

· Only use dishwashers and washing machines when they are full!

· Wash your car with a bucket and sponge to save water and remember to do this on the lawn – it’s good for the lawn and detergent won’t go down the stormwater drains

· Don't defrost frozen foods with running water - either plan ahead by placing frozen items in the refrigerator overnight or defrost them in the microwave.