Water conservation

Hamilton is currently on Water Alert Level 1

This means sprinkler systems are permitted between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm only

What you'll find
on this page

• Water consumption figures
• About Smart Water Use
• Smart Water Use factsheets
• Sinking water myths
• Water Use Calculator
• Water saving tips
• Tips for efficient water usage for pools
• Who to contact for more information

Waikato and Waipa district councils also use the Smart Water Use water alert level system in their areas. Information about the current water alert level and restrictions in these districts are available via the following links:

• Waikato District Council
• Waipa District Council

Hamilton is currently on Water Alert Level 1.

This means sprinkler systems are permitted between 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm only.

Water consumption figures

Hamilton's water consumption figures for the past week are:

If you have any questions regarding the alert levels, contact City Waters Unit on 838 6999.

For more information contact

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Smart Water Use

Dry conditions in the summer of 2007/08 saw Hamilton approach the maximum levels of water it could source from the Waikato River. Treating and reticulating these extremely high volumes of water is a significant financial cost and ongoing use of these amounts is simply not sustainable, therefore a total ban on domestic garden sprinklers was introduced that summer to help reduce the city's water consumption – the first time in more than 20 years that such as measure was taken.

With long-term weather forecasts suggesting Hamilton could once again experience a similar dry spell, Hamilton City Council has joined forces with Waikato Regional Council, Waikato District Council, Waipa District Council and other territorial authorities throughout the greater Waikato region to encourage residents to be proactive about water conservation.

Smart Water Use is a region-wide campaign which aims to strengthen people's perceptions of water as being a limited and precious resource, and educate and encourage residents to conserve water in their day-to-day lives. The campaign is not intended to be a 'quick fix' but to promote long-term, sustainable behavioural changes.

As part of Smart Water Use, in 2008 Hamilton City Council introduced the following alert levels based around the city's water consumption. These alerts come into effect in the city in the summer months, with changes in levels communicated through local newspapers, radio stations, signage, social media and on this website.

Factsheets

Smart Water Use factsheets

Some Smart Water Use factsheets have been developed that contain advice and information about water conservation, both indoors and out. To view, click here.

Sinking water myths

Sinking water myths

EACH SUMMER WATER CONSERVATION BECOMES A HOT TOPIC IN HAMILTON AS DEMAND FOR WATER PEAKS. HERE WE ‘SINK’ SOME OF THE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS SURROUNDING THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE…

MYTH:  We have a large river flowing through our city so we don’t really need to conserve water.

Hamilton City Council has a resource consent to draw a certain volume of water from the Waikato River for supply to the city. Over past summers Hamilton has approached the maximum volumes that it is able to take from the river – ongoing use at these levels would be unsustainable and come with a significant financial cost.
By conserving water it helps ensure a consistent supply of water for all users, not only in Hamilton but right along the length of the Waikato River.

MYTH: It rained yesterday so surely the restrictions aren’t needed anymore.

Rainfall is just one of the factors taken into account when considering whether to alter water restrictions. Other factors include weather predictions, water consumption levels, river level, treatment plant or reticulation status, and annual trend data.
A brief period of rainfall can have little or no impact on water usage, therefore more substantial rainfall would be required before it would influence water restrictions.

MYTH: I didn’t use my sprinkler on my odd or even day, so it will be okay to use it when it’s not really my day.

To ensure water is shared fairly among all residents everyone is asked to abide by the restrictions, including the outlined days and times. Following the alternative day restrictions allows easy monitoring of the community’s water use and adherence to restrictions – this would be difficult to gauge if people were to self-manage the alternative day restrictions.

MYTH: I rely on my vegetable garden to feed my family, so when water restrictions come into effect I am effectively being told to let my food source die.

Nothing could be further from the truth, the primary objective of the alert level 1-3 restrictions is to minimise use of domestic sprinkler systems, as these systems can be left running, often functioning inefficiently and using water in excess of what is actually required.
A combination of regular sprinkling within the permitted time periods and hand held hosing is sufficient to ensure gardens and lawns are able to be maintained.

MYTH: It’s okay to set the sprinkler timers to go into effect in the middle of the night as people do not use water at this time.

Producing water is a 24/7 operation and overnight production this is the time that is the time that is used to re-fill reservoirs that help buffer higher water demand during the day.  Any increase in demand during the night would put further pressure on the water supply system to recuperate from demand during the day.

MYTH: We were told that sprinkler restrictions are in place but I can see that Council is still watering its sport fields. Why should I abide by the restrictions if Council isn’t?

Council is an ardent supporter of water conservation and Smart Water Use.  While the water alert level 1 and 2 restrictions refer specifically to domestic users, Council still undertakes a number of water saving initiatives at these times. Other water conservation initiatives are carried out by Council all year around!
Because Council facilities are maintained for the benefit of the whole community, not just a particular individual/household, it is important to strike a balance between conserving water and ensuring these facilities are still able to be utilised and enjoyed by residents.
Some water efficiency/conservation measures used by Council include:

• Reducing the wastering frequency and duration of gardens, sports grounds and parks
• Using timers and water efficient devices
• Monitoring soil moisture content and evapotranspiration rates
• Metering water use
• Changing fountains to reduced run hours or turning them off completely

As an organisation, Council also programmes high water use activities such as water mains flushing and building cleaning to be carried out in cooler months to mimimise water demand on the city during summer. The frequency of fleet cleaning is also reduced during summer.

Calculate your water usage

Water Use Calculator

Give our interactive Water Use Calculator a go to find out how you can conserve water around the home.

Simply answer a few questions about your household and the calculator will provide you with your average daily water use per person. You’ll then receive some personalised tips identifying areas where you can save water.

Please note that the calculator provides an indication, rather than an exact measure, of your water usage.

Start the Water Use Calculator

Two versions of the calculator display differently but contain exactly the same questions and will give the same results.

• Home and garden tour

Visit rooms in your home and garden to calculate your water usage. This version requires you to have FLASH plug-ins for your browser. If you do not have the plug-in and would like to view the FLASH calculator you will be directed to a page where you can download it.

• Simple form

Complete the simple form that does not require any plug-ins.

This water-use calculator originally appeared on the North Shore City Council website. It has been adapted for the Smart Water Use campaign and used here with their kind permission.

Water saving tips

By following these suggestions you can reduce your water consumption by 45%:

• If you wash your dishes by hand, don't leave the water running when rinsing them.
• Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator so you don't waste water running the tap to cool the water down.
• Don't leave water running while you clean vegetables. Put the plug in the sink.
• Turn off the tap when shaving or brushing your teeth.

Water saving tips

Outdoors

Nearly two-thirds 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 use the following tips:

• Avoid watering in the heat of the day or in windy weather.
• Water your plants every fourth day in the summer, but water for longer periods. This makes the plants hardier and encourages the roots to go deeper into the soil.
• If you have a lot of annuals or ferns, use a micro spray system. This will ensure water is absorbed and not wasted.
• 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 quicker and more efficient.
• Don't allow children to play with the hose. They can waste over 1000 litres of water every hour.
• There are a number of water saving devices that can assist you with conserving water outdoors. To find out more, click here.

Water saving tips

Indoors

Here are some helpful hints for reducing water consumption indoors:

• Use your washing machine  for full loads only. Each time you run your washing machine, you use about 100-200 litres of water.
• Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictions. Many shower heads put out 20 litres of water a minute, while 10 litres is enough.
• Install or convert to a dual flush toilet. This allows you to use only half the water when needed.
• If you have a water meter, carry out regular checks for leaks.
• Commercial properties: purchase urinal control valves. These can save between 86% - 96% of previous annual water consumption.

Water saving tips

Pools

Here are some helpful hints for efficient water use for all sorts of pools:

• To avoid water borne health risks it is essential that you add chlorine in the right dose to pool water. Chlorine levels are easily maintained in the ideal range of 1 to 3 parts per million by using inexpensive testers or pool test kits. These kits will also tell you what the acidity or alkalinity (pH) of your pool is and enable you to keep this around 7.5.
• Chlorinating pool water will keep it cleaner for longer and reduce the need and frequency of refilling.
• It is best practise to have a filter system for your pool.
• A floating pool cover will greatly reduce the amount of chemicals you need to add to the water, and will also minimise loss of water through evaporation.
• By utilising roof water, home pools can operate independently of the main water supply.
• Encouraging swimmers to keep as much water inside the pool as possible will mean you won't have to top up the water level as often.
• To avoid the cost and effort associated with maintaining a pool at home, consider visiting one of the city's public pools or taking a trip to a beach or lake instead. Commercial pools are designed to use water efficiently and recycle splashed water, while a number of beaches and lakes are within easy driving distance of Hamilton.

Contact

 
 
 
 
 
 
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City Waters
Level 5, Council Offices
Garden Place
Hamilton City Council
Private Bag 3010
Hamilton 3240
Phone: 838 6999
Fax: 838 6998

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