In summer, we keep a close eye on the levels of the rivers and streams that feed our water supply, as well as the weather and other indicators such as soil moisture levels. Water is not an unlimited resource, and there are limits on how much we can take. 

We’ve certainly noticed it heating up, and NIWA has forecast a hotter than usual November-January.

Our district has now moved into level 1 water restrictions, a good first step we can build on as needed to make sure everyone has enough water over summer.

Level 1 means adjusting any sprinklers to go between 6-8am and 6-8pm. Watering by hand can still be done at any time but avoiding the middle of the day can make the most of your water by minimising evaporation.

Level 1 and level 2 restrictions are applied district-wide, while levels 3 and 4 may be applied by town.

Make sure to check out mpdc.nz/water for FAQs on water restrictions and water conservation.