Waitomo District is currently on Water Alert Level 1.

Waitomo District is expecting a long term weather forecast of hot, dry weather.  Residents are urged to conserve water to ensure that there is plenty available for everyone. WDC takes regular and continuous measurement of total water production and regular readings of sample meters located on properties across the District. Water restrictions will need to be put in place if water usage is not reduced now and kept at a reasonable level going forward.

A considerable amount of water used by householders during the summer goes into the garden. Often it is wasted and too little is absorbed by the plants. To help reduce this wastage try these quick tips:

• Avoid watering in the heat of the day or in windy weather.
• Water your plants every fourth day, but water for longer periods. This encourages the the roots to go deeper into the soil.
• Use a timer with your sprinkler. A forgotten sprinkler wastes more than 1000 litres of water per hour.
• Water the roots, not the leaves. Watering the leaves is not beneficial as it increases water loss through evaporation.
• Use a trigger hose to control the water while moving the hose around.
• Use a good mulch. This can prevent up to 70% of evaporation loss. Well rotted compost is best.
• Don’t water the paths. Cleaning with a broom is more efficient.