Vouchers offer discounts on water-saving gadgets

Environment Waikato is sending vouchers for big discounts on water-saving gadgets to all Waikato residents this week.

Thanks to Nylex and all Hammer Hardware, Palmers, Mitre 10 and Mitre 10 Mega stores in the Waikato region, voucher-holders can get 20 per cent off water conservation products such as hoses, trigger guns, water timers and irrigation kits.

The vouchers are being delivered to all homes in the region this week inside Envirocare, the council’s quarterly newsletter, as part of the Smart Water Use campaign.

“Pressure on water supplies has increased to the point where water is now too precious to waste and we need to use it more efficiently,” Environment Waikato chairman Peter Buckley said.

“The simple tips and vouchers in Envirocare will help our ratepayers save water and money and help the environment. For example, we have a voucher for a trigger gun that will help you save up to 15 litres of water a minute by shutting off the garden hose when you don’t need it.”

Residents can find more tips on www.smartwateruse.co.nz.

“Now is also a good time to check out your household water use online using the new interactive calculator on the Smart Water Use website,” Cr Buckley said.

“Just answer a few questions about your household and the calculator will provide you with your average daily water use per person. You’ll then receive some personalised tips identifying areas where you can save water and possibly save on energy costs.

“For example, reducing your shower time from eight minutes to four will save a family of four more than $300 a year.”

The Smart Water Use campaign is a joint initiative between Environment Waikato, Hamilton City Council and the Taupo, Waitomo, Waipa, Hauraki, Matamata-Piako, Thames-Coromandel, Otorohanga, South Waikato and Waikato district councils. It was launched on December 1.