Due to the long dry spell we are currently experiencing, Waipa District Council is asking residents to take care with their water usage.
Council Engineering Manager, John Kerr says that the extra hot and dry weather conditions are putting pressure on the water supply.
“In Te Awamutu, the water supply comes from the Maungauika stream, and in dry periods, the flow reduces. At times we are getting pretty close to capacity, but if people can make a few reductions in their water usage, then we will be able to navigate the summer period.”
Usage in Te Awamutu for the month of January so far is 12,900 cubic metres (12.9 million litres) per day. At the same time last year the figure was 11,400 cubic metres (11.4 million litres) per day.
Historically, February is the month of highest demand, and Council is expecting the hot, dry conditions to continue. If residents are not careful with water usage, then the option of water restrictions may need to be considered.
Five top tips for conserving water
- Don’t leave the tap running when you are shaving or brushing your teeth
- If you need to water your garden, do it early in the morning or late in the evening
- Put the plug in the sink when rinsing vegetables
- Use sprinklers sparingly, and do not leave running overnight
- After washing, rinse your car on the lawn – twice the benefit!
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