Water is such an essential part of summer in the Waimakariri. However, it is important that we conserve our water use where we can to make sure we have access to our wai all summer long!
If we aren’t careful about how we use water during this time it can lead to compulsory restrictions on water use. We want you to think about using water differently in the summer months.
This looks like voluntarily treating our wai usage as if we are in a Level 1 restriction. What does this look like?
Well, you could be saving your automatic garden hoses and sprinklers for every second day, instead of every day. You could also be mindful of what time of day you have them on; if you use them in the middle of the day, a lot of the water will evaporate in the heat. We recommend only using automatic hoses & sprinklers after 7pm, to ensure that the water is having the best effect on your gardens.
Top tips for saving water
There are plenty of simple ways to save water every day, both indoors and outdoors. Here are some easy changes that make a big impact:
At home
- Keep a jug of cold water in the fridge so you don’t need to run the tap for a cold drink.
- Wash vegetables and dishes in a bowl of water, not under a running tap.
- Use dishwashers and washing machines for full loads only to maximise efficiency.
- Shorten your shower time to five minutes or less, and install a low-flow shower head to save both water and energy.
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, shaving, or soaping your hands.
- Compost your food waste instead of using in-sink waste disposal units, which use lots of water.
In the garden
- Water early in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation—avoid watering on windy days.
- Water the roots, not the leaves or surrounding concrete and paved areas.
- Use a trigger nozzle on your hose to control water flow and avoid waste.
- Sweep, don’t hose, when cleaning driveways and outdoor areas.
- Wash cars and bikes with a bucket of soapy water and rinse quickly with a hose.
- Repair leaks from outdoor taps, pipes, or sprinklers as soon as you spot them.
- Report leaks on roads or footpaths to the Council so we can fix them promptly.