Waitakians urged to be water wise this summer

Published on 11 December 2025

A few simple actions can save a lot of water in the warmer months.

As the summer months heat up, it’s easy to splash out, being water wise will help everyone get clean, safe, drinking water.

We know that hotter weather means increased water use – and each water supply in Waitaki has its own water take consent conditions, and exceeding them comes with penalties – paid for by the ratepayer.

We’ve got five levels of water alerts, but hopefully we won’t need them. They are;

Level 1 – Conserve Water

Level 2 – Sprinkler Restrictions

Level 3 – Sprinkler Ban

Level 4 – No Outdoor Water Use

Level 5 – Essential Water Use Only

So, here’s a few things you can do to be water wise this summer;

• Turn your taps off properly and repair dripping taps, leaking pipes or toilet cisterns.

• Turn taps off while you shave and brush your teeth.

• Use your dishwasher and washing machine only when full.

• Limit the time you spend in the shower.

• Use a bucket to collect waste (grey) water from the shower, the washing machine or the sink to water plants or use on the lawn.

• Use a bucket to wash your car, rather than a hose.

You can find this information, and information on water waste, on Council’s website now.

Our water alerts can be seen here, Water Alert Notices L1 - L5(PDF, 821KB)

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz