Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has implemented water restrictions for Lake Hāwea and is asking the community to conserve water as much as possible.

The restrictions take place with immediate effect.

QLDC property and infrastructure general manager Peter Hansby said the local network had seen significant demand on Thursday (January 13) and again on this morning, which was putting pressure on supply.

“We have observed extended periods where water is being drawn from the reservoir faster than we can replace it which obviously isn’t sustainable,” he said. 

“By taking a few simple steps now everyone can help ensure that the network remains in good shape, especially with continuing hot weather and no rain forecast until the middle of next week.”

Residents and visitors are asked to keep hand-held hosing to a minimum at all times, and to only use irrigation sprinklers between midnight and 6.00am when general demand is at its lowest.

“We’ll continue to monitor the situation and will remove the restrictions once demand has fallen to more sustainable levels,” Peter said. 

The council will provide further updates when things change, he added.

Find tips and advice on conserving water here.

PHOTO: Supplied