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Auckland, May 7, 2020
In response to one of the most severe droughts in the history of the City, the Emergency Committee of Auckland Council today voted unanimously to introduce mandatory water restrictions, which will come into effect across the region from Saturday May 16, 2020.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said that Aucklanders should reduce the amount of water used.
“As a city, we have done a good job to date, but given we have only had 36% of our usual rainfall we need to do more,” he said.
Restrictions Stage One
He asked Aucklanders to support by adhering to water restrictions.
“The first stage of restrictions will ban the use of outdoor hoses and water-blasters. It will also prohibit the watering of sports fields, plants or paddocks unless an irrigation system is fitted with soil moisture or rain sensors, and require car washes to operate only if they use recyclable water. I want Aucklanders to remember that if we do not get it right and save water now, we will have to implement harder restrictions on the future and no one wants that,” he said.
Mr Goff hoped that Aucklanders will understand the need to adhere to these measures, but warned that harsher options will be imposed if necessary.
The proposed water use restrictions cover outdoor water use because it can be observed and if necessary, enforced. He said that none of the three stages impose restrictions on water for drinking or sanitary use of water in the household, or operations that use water for health, safety, emergency and biosecurity measures.
Restrictions for commercial and non-residential water usage at Stage 1 include banning the use of outdoor hoses or water blasters unless it is for a health, safety, emergency or biosecurity reason; banning commercial car washes unless they use recycled water; and restricting the watering of sports fields, plants or paddocks to those which have an irrigation system fitted with soil moisture or rain sensors.
Restrictions Stage Two
‘Stage 2’ restrictions will be introduced if Auckland’s water storage levels continue to decline to a level agreed in Watercare’s Metropolitan Drought Management Plan.
Restrictions at Stage 2 include all of those introduced at Stage 1, while also banning all watering of sports fields.
Waitākere Councillor Linda Cooper, who is Liaison Councillor for Watercare, said that the Council will aim to educate those who breach water restrictions in the first instance, and will only escalate to prosecution in the case of significant or repeated breaches.
“I am confident that Aucklanders will understand how important it is to adhere to these restrictions. This drought is something that affects everyone, and we all have a role to play in helping to save water,” she said.
Communities asked to save
Watercare Chief Executive Raveen Jaduram acknowledged the efforts that Aucklanders have made so far to reduce water consumption, through shorter showers and other measures.
“Once mandatory water restrictions for outdoor use are introduced, we hope to see the community respond to achieve even greater savings,” he said.
Watercare has been running a public campaign since early February, “Water is precious“, urging Aucklanders to make voluntary water savings. This has resulted in a reduction in demand, even though Aucklanders have been spending more time at home during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Further information about the drought is available at watercare.co.nz. Waterwise tips are available at waterforlife.org.nz.
