Published 5/01/2024
South Wairarapa moving to Level 2 water restrictions
Featherston, Greytown, and Martinborough will move to Level 2 Water Restrictions at 12.01AM on Saturday 6 January 2024, meaning a ban on sprinklers and irrigation systems for residential households.
The ban applies to all irrigations systems, soaker hoses, and unattended watering. Residents can still water their garden by hand at any time such as a hose, on any day, so long as they are not left unattended.
This decision has been made due to increasing demand on water over the past fortnight and the recent dry weather in the region has meant that in the reservoir levels in the district have not recovered to full capacity.
“Wellington Water has recommended that Level 2 Water Restrictions are put in place now to help us reduce water demand and reduce the risk of having more severe, longer water restrictions later on,” says Stefan Corbett, South Wairarapa District Council’s Group Manager, Partnerships and Operations.
“The restrictions apply to residential properties only. However, we do ask that businesses across the district take steps to reduce their water usage where possible. If we all do our bit, then we can hopefully avoid further restrictions.”
Wellington Water will continue to closely monitor the situation and work closely with South Wairarapa District Council regarding the risk of further water restrictions this summer. We will keep the public informed if the situation changes.
“In the meantime, we encourage everyone to make simple changes to reduce their water use,” adds Stefan. “Small changes such as taking shorter showers (no more than 4 minutes), not running the tap while brushing your teeth, and only doing full loads of washing can all make a real difference.”
For more helpful water saving tips, visit Wellington Water’s website: https://www.wellingtonwater.co.nz/resources/topic/water-conservation/water-calculator/
Please note, that this change only affects the South Wairarapa District and that the metropolitan Wellington region remains at Level 1 Restrictions. South Wairarapa District runs on a separate drinking water network from the metropolitan Wellington region.
Water Restrictions – what they mean for residents
Level Two
- No irrigation or sprinklers
- Water your garden by hand only at any time so long as it’s not unattended
Level Three
- Stop all outdoor water use.
- Consider using less water indoors
- Business can continue as normal but encouraged to be pragmatic and responsible
Level Four
- Significantly reduce indoor water use - by up to 50% - to ensure there is enough water for everyone
- Stop all outdoor water use.
- Business to also significantly reduce water use
Editor notes
Wellington Water is owned and fully funded by Wellington City Council, Hutt City Council, Porirua City Council, and Upper Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and South Wairarapa District Council. All six councils are equal shareholders.
Our councils own the water infrastructure in the region, and they task us to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities.
Wellington Water is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board and our organisation receive overall leadership and direction from the Wellington Water Committee, which are also responsible for appointing members to the Board.
The Wellington Water Committee is made up of representatives from our council owners and mana whenua.