Hamilton City Council, Fuseworks, 25 January 2012

Residents in Hamilton and the Waikato district are permitted to use domestic sprinkler and irrigation systems between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm only, following the introduction of water alert level 1 today.

The need for water restrictions in Hamilton and the Waikato district has been triggered by a significant increase in water consumption over the past two weeks, largely due to increasing periods of hot, dry weather, as well as forecasts for more fine weather ahead.

Hamilton City Council City Waters Manager Tim Harty said while water restrictions generally come into effect prior to Christmas, wet weather in the area over the recent holiday season helped keep water consumption levels relatively low throughout this period.

"Now that the weather is heating up and more residents are returning home to Hamilton and the Waikato from their summer holiday destinations, the city and district's water consumption has been increasing significantly," he said.

"By introducing water alert level 1 and its corresponding water restrictions, it is helping to manage the increasing demand for this limited and precious resource, and ensure water consumption remains at sustainable levels."

Waikato District Council Water & Facilities general manager Richard Bax urged all residents to abide by the restrictions now in place.

"We hope the introduction of the first level of water restrictions will effectively manage consumption throughout this peak demand period," he said.

"We ask that all residents abide by the restrictions that have come into effect and also take proactive steps to conserve water where ever possible - simple things like taking shorter showers, fixing leaking taps and washing cars with a bucket of water instead of a hose can all help to ease demand on water during this period of peak demand."

Note to editors: The Smart Water Use water alert level system consists of four alert levels and corresponding restrictions:

Alert level 1 - domestic sprinkler systems permitted between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm only

Alert level 2 - domestic sprinklers would only be permitted between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm on alternating days.

Alert level 3 - total ban on domestic sprinklers and restrictions on outdoor water use for commercial/non residential properties

Alert level 4 - a total city-wide ban on all external non-essential use of water

More information on water consumption and alert levels in Hamilton and the Waikato district is available on www.hamilton.co.nz/water and www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz.

Waipa District Council also uses the same water alert level model in its district, but triggers its levels independently to Hamilton City Council and Waikato District Council. Visit http://www.waipadc.govt.nz/ for information on the water alert levels and restrictions currently in place in Waipa District.