Residents and visitors to the Queenstown Lakes District are encouraged to be ‘wai wise’ and conserve water this summer, with hot and dry weather forecast over January and February.

Queenstown Lakes District Council infrastructure operations manager Simon Mason said water consumption had already started to increase rapidly and temporary water restrictions could be required in the coming months if council’s networks came under strain.

“No one enjoys restrictions around when and how we use water, especially when the heat of summer really sets in,” Simon said. 

“But collectively, small changes in how we use water can have a significant impact on keeping our demand for water in check.

“The biggest gains are in when and how we water our lawns and gardens, making sure water leaks around the home are fixed, and calling council immediately if you spot a water leak in public.”

He recommended residents water lawns and gardens between 10.00pm and 6.00am to avoid the heat of the day and reduce water loss through evaporation. 

Ensuring irrigation is targeted and volumes are appropriate is also critical, he said.

Queenstown Lakes District is one of the biggest water consumers in the country, with individuals using an average of 440 litres per day. That compares to the national average of just 281 litres per person day, and Auckland’s average – where every household is metered – of only 146 litres per person per day.

Even small steps, like reducing your shower time by one minute, could result in up to 20 litres of water saved per person, Simon said.

“Every litre of water we save helps us to reduce our carbon footprint too.”

Find a range of tips for reducing water use here.

PHOTO: Supplied