Cambridge, Kihikihi on Water Alert 1
A water alert level one has today been issued for the towns of Cambridge and Kihikihi following months of no rain and hot temperatures.
The use of sprinklers by Cambridge and Kihikihi residents and commercial businesses is now restricted to the hours of 6-8am and 6-8pm. Hand-held hosing is still allowed at any time.
Waipā District Council deputy chief executive, Ken Morris said it was important for all residents to be wary of their water usage as restrictions were expected to get tougher in the coming weeks.
“The last significant rainfall was over six weeks ago in December and with no rain on the horizon for Waipā, all residents need to be conscious of their water usage to ensure we can make it through the summer without running out.”
Te Awamutu and Pirongia, Ohaupo and surrounding rural areas have been on Water Alert Level 3 since Friday 31 January, which completely restricts the use of sprinklers. Hand-held hosing is allowed at any time.
“Cambridge and Kihikihi are on a separate water supply to Te Awamutu, Ohaupo and Pirongia but with water tankers coming to fill up at the Cambridge supply, we need reduced demand on the whole water network,” Morris said.
“There is a complete sprinkler ban across Te Awamutu, Ohaupo and Pirongia. Handheld hosing is still ok but we ask that this is kept to a minimum. If we can get this right, we are heading in the right direction.”
A new town water supply is currently under construction but with a completion date of mid-2021, residents can expect pressure on the stream for one more summer.
“Once the new supply is up and running, we can’t stop thinking about how we use water. Water is a precious, finite resource and we need to treat it as such,” Morris said.
Dry weather has impacted water supplies across the North Island, with many water suppliers asking communities to conserve water. For tips on how to save water and to check your alert level, head to www.smartwater.org.nz.
Water alerts also in place in other Waikato areas
Sub-regional partner, Hamilton City Council, is on water alert level 3 along with parts of Waikato district, Tauwhare, Gordonton and Matangi who source their water from Hamilton. The rest of Waikato district is not at a water alert.
Waipā District Council has developed a tool for residents to see what water alert level applies to their property. Visit www.waipadc.govt.nz/our-services/water-services/sm... and enter your property address to find out.
For tips on how to conserve water at home, head to the Smart Water website, www.smartwater.org.nz.
Smart Water Starts with You! is as sub-regional summer campaign aiming to make long-term change to how we use water and is a joint venture between Hamilton City Council, Waikato District Council and Waipa District Council.
For media enquiries, contact: Karen Cousins, 027 300 5232
About the water alert level system:
The Water Alert Levels and their corresponding requirements are a way to use water in a sustainable manner and ensure consistent supply throughout summer. The water alert level system consists of four alert levels and matching requirements.
Water Alert Level 1
Use sprinkler systems between 6am – 8am and 6pm – 8pm
Hand-held hosing can be used anytime
Water Alert Level 2
Use sprinkler systems on alternate days between
6am – 8am and 6pm – 8pm
Hand-held hosing can be used anytime
Water Alert Level 3
No use of sprinklers
Hand-held hosing only
Water Alert Level 4
No use of outside water systems