Maintain Good Water Use Habits

Summer has been kind to our gardens this year and everything is looking greener than is usual at this time of the season.

The rain has kept the need for water right down and all water urban supplies are easily meeting demand.

The Council’s Southern Valleys Irrigation scheme, for example, has used only one third the volume of water compared with the same time last year.

Council continually monitors water use but at this stage there’s no indication there will be a need for water restrictions.

However, things can change quickly if there’s a drawn-out dry spell and people begin irrigating their lawns and gardens.

The water supplies most at risk from heavy use are Havelock, Renwick and Picton.

Residents can minimise this by keeping water use to a minimum on very hot afternoons especially during the peak demand period from 5.00 pm until 8.30 pm.

It also helps to water gardens when it is cooler (early morning or as the sun sets) or on overcast days.

Gardens don’t need water every day so limit watering to three or four times a week for short durations.