Residents are advised that there is a CONSERVE WATER NOTICE for customers on OAMARU WATER SUPPLY.
Following this week's significant storm event, we’re asking all Oamaru residents and businesses to conserve water wherever possible. Heavy rainfall has affected the quality of the source water supplying Oamaru, reducing the amount of water that can be treated by our treatment plant while turbidity (floating mud and silt) levels remain high.
Water remains safe to drink but to help maintain a reliable water supply while our treatment plant catches up, we are asking everyone to minimise non-essential water use until the Conserve Water Notice is lifted.
Date issued: 8am 09 July 2026
Date updated:
What are Conserve Water notices?
We issue conserve water notices when there has been low rainfall, extreme weather events, or for other reasons, such as when work is being done on the supply network.
What we would like you to do:
- Don't wash your cars and boats.
- Don't refill your swimming pool.
- Ensure all taps are turned off thoroughly to avoid any dripping.
- Don't water your lawns and garden but if you need to water your vegetable garden, please do it with a hand-held hose.
- Put a plug in the sink when washing your dishes and vegetables.
- Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when it is fully loaded.
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving.
- All commercial users are requested to minimise usage.
Even when there aren't notices issued, it is a good idea to conserve water where you can at all times.