Water Restrictions

We source our water from a range of streams (Pungaereere, Mangatoki, Otakeho and Mangawhero-itī), rivers (Kāpuni, Waingongoro and Waiaua), and bores (Pātea, Waverley, Waverley Beach and Waiinu).

During summer, extended dry periods and low rainfall can reduce water levels in these sources. When this occurs, our resource consents require us to limit the amount of water taken for town supply to help protect the health of rivers, streams and aquifers.

From 2026, Council introduced Water Restriction Levels. These levels outline which types of water use are appropriate, depending on the current level in place. Water restrictions help reduce overall water consumption and limit the amount of water taken from our natural water sources.

Level 1

Level 1 Water Restrictions are triggered when the river levels are near the resource consent threshold and are at risk of breaching the limit.

• Odds and Evens System is introduced: houses with odd numbers may use handheld hoses on odd calendar dates, and houses with even number may use handheld hoses on even calendar dates – between 6pm – 8am daily.
• Handheld hoses may only be used for watering gardens.
• Allowed: Washing cars, boats, buildings and paved areas.
• Banned: Sprinklers, residential irrigation systems, unattended hoses, pool filling and lawn watering.
• Residents who have an urgent need for outdoor water use outside of the allowed period —such as for property maintenance— are encouraged to contact Council. Each request will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure water use remains responsible and aligns with the current restriction level.

Commercial water users may continue normal operations, but should voluntarily reduce water use to essential levels:

• Review activities to identify where water use can be reduced or made more efficient.
• Defer non-urgent projects that require additional water (e.g. concrete installation).

Level 2

Level 2 water restrictions are triggered when river levels are reaching resource consent condition limits. Water should be limited to general health and hygiene needs.

• Odds and evens system in place, however outdoor water use is limited to 1 hour per day maximum between 6pm – 8am.
• Handheld hoses may be used for watering vegetable gardens only.
• Reduce frequency of laundry.
• Avoid unnecessary toilet flushing.
• Limit showers to 5 minutes or less.
• Allowed: Washing cars and boats with buckets only.
• Banned: Washing buildings and paved areas, sprinklers, residential irrigation systems, unattended hoses, pool filling, lawn watering and pressure washers.

Commercial water users must reduce water use to essential operational needs:

• Identify and implement water-saving measures.
• Defer non-essential water-intensive activities.

Level 3

Level 3 water restrictions are triggered when river levels are breaching consent condition limits for three consecutive days.

• Total ban on all non-essential residential water use.

Commercial water users with high-use operations may be subject to further restriction, as well as:

• Requirement to submit Water Efficiency and Water Conservation Plans.
• Council may request reporting on water-saving actions and compliance.

If you are unsure of your water use and would like more information, please phone the council water team on 0800 111 323.