Current Water Restrictions In Palmerston North

 Level 0.5: No Water Restrictions Apply Voluntary Restrictions Recommended

This includes: Palmerston North, Ashhurst, Bunnythorpe, Linton, Longburn townships. Visit the Palmerston North City Council website for the latest information on their Water Conservation page.

The Three Levels Of Water Restrictions Used By The PNCC

Palmerston North City Council use three levels of water conservation / demand management systems:

Level 0: No restrictions apply

Level 0.5: No restrictions apply - Voluntary Restrictions Recommended
During the months of December to April, residents are asked to voluntarily conserve water as if Level 1 restrictions were enforced: Unattended hoses, sprinklers and garden irrigation systems can only be used on alternate days between 7:00pm and 9:00pm*. Even numbered houses can do this on even days, and odd numbered houses on odd days.

Level 1: Sprinkler use evenings only, every two days
Unattended hoses, sprinklers and garden irrigation systems can only be used on alternate days between 7:00pm and 9:00pm*. Even numbered houses can do this on even days, and odd numbered houses on odd days. Handheld hoses can be used at any time.

Level 2: Unattended irrigation prohibited. Handheld hoses only, every two days
Unattended hoses, sprinklers and garden irrigation systems not permitted to be used. Handheld hoses can only be used on alternate days between 7:00pm and 9:00pm*. Even numbered houses can do this on even days, and odd numbered houses on odd days.

Level 3: Hosing prohibited
Hosing prohibited. Unattended hoses, sprinklers, garden irrigation systems and handheld hoses or watering cans cannot be used. Car washing, household maintenance and outdoor washing by handheld hose are also prohibited. Filling of swimming pools, spa pools and paddling pools is prohibited.

* Note: Permitted times indicative only and are subject to change by the Palmerston North City Council without this information being updated. Please check with the Palmerston North City Council for the most accurate data on their Water Conservation page.

Source: https://www.pncc.govt.nz/media/3129716/water-supply-bylaw-2015-administration-manual.pdf

About The Palmerston North City Water Supply

Palmerston North's primary water supply comes from the Turitea Dam which supplies two-thirds of the city's water. The remaining supply comes from nine water bores located around the city which are plumbed into the main water supply. These bores automatically kick into action when they detect low water pressure and are usually used in the morning and night to keep up with peak demand.

The supporting water network from the Turitea Dam holds 15 million litres of treated water storage while the dam itself holds 1.7 million cubic metres of water and can supply water for 2 - 3 months of drought. The catchment area is about 2,400 hectares which feed into the dam. The city uses 32m to 35m litres a day and the Palmerston North city water supply network also feeds Ashhurst, Bunnythorpe, Linton and Longburn areas. Water restrictions usually start when the Turitea Dam drops below 80% capacity.

Source: https://www.pncc.govt.nz/services/water/water-supply/

Ways To Conserve Water

Every drop matters

Every drop matters, especially in the dry season. There are loads of easy ways to use a bit less water and help make a big difference. Pick something new that's simple for you, and be water-smarter this summer.

Save water inside
• Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth - this can save 6 litres of water a minute.
• Fill a jug or bottle with tap water and place it in your fridge - this way, you don't have to leave the tap running for the water to run cold before you fill your glass.
• Fix a dripping tap - a dripping tap can waste 15 litres of water a day.
• Use full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher - this cuts out unnecessary washes in between.
• Take shorter showers - showering can use up to 18 litres of water a minute. If you cut your shower time from 10 minutes to five, you could save as much as 90 litres of water.

Save water outside
• Mulch your garden to keep moisture in - mulch can cut evaporation by up to 70 per cent.
• Remove weeds - weeds compete for available moisture.
• Control your hose with trigger - you can stop and start the hose instantly and direct water where you need it, so you don't waste a drop.
• Sweep paths and decks instead of hosing them clean.
• Use a bucket of soapy water and a sponge to clean your car instead of a hose - this can save 10-15 litres of water a minute.

More water saving tips can be found on the Smart Homes website.