Waitomo District Council asks all residents on Council water supply for their co-operation in conserving water use.

Conservation and small changes made in terms of how we use water in the home and at work will make a big difference. Your support in conserving water use will help to prevent the need for any restrictions being placed on the supply. 

There are plenty of simple things we can do around home to conserve water. The following quick tips provide some ideas on how we can use water responsibly so there will be plenty of water available for all.

In and around the home

• Do full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.
• Encourage shorter showers and shallower baths.
• Fill the sink to clean vegetables and wash the dishes.
• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving.
• For cool drinking water, fill a jug and keep it in the fridge.
• When washing the car, use a bucket. Limit use of your hose to a quick spray at the start to loosen dirt and grime and when you’re done to rinse off soapy water. If you can, wash the car on a lawn.
• A swimming pool cover can cut evaporation by as much as 90%, reducing the need for top-ups.

In the garden

During summer our gardens need extra attention to make it through the hot weather. This is where water usage can become an issue if garden watering is not controlled.

• Water your garden only once every few days, when the soil is dry. This encourages roots to grow deeper and become more tolerant of hot, dry weather. Water your garden in the early morning or evening between, this will minimise water evaporation.
• A great way to conserve water when gardening is to use a trigger nozzle on your hose. This way you can manoeuvre about the garden focusing on areas that require the most attention without wasting water. Remember to turn off the tap once finished and storing a hose on a reel reduces the chance of it splitting or deteriorating. Check your garden hose regularly for leaks.
• Use mulch everywhere, it can retain moisture by up to 70% and reduce the need to water. Try using stones, bark chips and compost; they all do a great job.
• Pull weeds regularly, as they compete with plants for water.
• Don’t mow your lawn too short. Five centimetres is a good length. This length will help grass grow longer roots, keep sun off the soil, and help retain moisture.