New signs of summer appeared this week in the district: information boards outlining the area’s water restriction status.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has erected the signs to advise residents of the current water alert levels, and what they mean.

When temperatures rise and rainfall lessens during summer, “demand for water skyrockets”, the council said.

“This puts our network under strain at a time when we’re facing the heightened risk of potential wildfires.”

QLDC said it will continuously monitor water production versus reservoir levels and how much water is being used throughout the district.

“If we see demand rising faster than we can refill our reservoirs, we’ll introduce the appropriate restrictions. It's vital we have enough water in our network to respond to an emergency like a wildfire.”

The new signs explain what to expect at different alert levels: 

0: Please use water wisely at all times.

1: Sprinkler restrictions. Use from midnight to 6am only.

2: Sprinkler ban, Hand-held hosing only.

3: Total outdoor water ban at all times.

There will be seven water restriction status signs in the Upper Clutha, a QLDC spokesperson told the Wānaka App: two in Luggate, one in Wānaka, two in Albert Town, and two in Lake Hāwea.

The council also shared tips for water conservation.

PHOTO: Wānaka App