Level 3 water use restrictions are in force in Hastings from today, meaning the use of sprinklers and other automated watering systems is banned, with only hand-held watering permitted.
Due to continued hot, dry conditions and high water demand, water use is at levels that are not sustainable, said Hastings District Council Three Waters Manager, Steve Cave.
The ‘level 3’ sprinkler ban status means the use of any unattended device or hose (including automated systems) is banned. Hand-held hoses can be used on gardens between 6am and 8am in the morning and 7pm and 9pm in the evening on alternate days.
For the Hastings urban supply, more than 60 million litres of water is currently being used a day – the equivalent of 12 of the large storage tanks at Waiaroha.
Usage reached a daily peak of 63 million litres on Wednesday – which is over 50% more water than is used in winter.
Hanging baskets, planter boxes and targeted areas of new plantings in public gardens will receive a small amount of water each night at off-peak times, as will batting blocks on cricket pitches which, for health and safety reasons, have to be watered.
Mr Cave said council had a focus on rapidly fixing leaks in the network.
As of Thursday, December 5, there were 24 reported leaks across the wider district, and teams were out in force making repairs.
However, with the extra pressure on the network given the very high use, that could jump
markedly, he said.
“Leaks are attended to as quickly as possible. We are encouraging people to report them as soon as they see them via the 24-hour phone line 06 871 5000.”
Facilities that have their own bores and therefore are able to continue using water include Splash Planet (for irrigation), some Hastings schools, the racecourse and Hawke’s Bay Regional Sports Park.
The restrictions apply to all properties connected to a Hastings District Council water supply.
The last time Council enacted Level 3 restrictions was in the summer of 2020/21.
