Aucklanders could be facing water restrictions in just over a week, with the council on Thursday considering introducing mandatory rules due to the city's worst drought on record.
Auckland is experiencing its worst-ever drought, with January to April being the driest in the city's history. Summer saw less than half of the normal rainfall, meaning storage dams have fallen to only being 46.5 percent full - well below the usual 76 percent average for this time of year.
“For some months, Watercare, with Auckland Council backing, has run a campaign around the need to conserve water. We now need to reinforce that message with mandatory restrictions, which is what the Emergency Committee is considering today,” Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said.
If councillors agree, the restrictions would come into place on May 16.
"For households, there will be a ban on the use of outdoor hoses for activities like watering gardens and washing cars, and a ban on the use of water-blasters. For the commercial sector, additional restrictions will apply to commercial car washing, and watering of sports fields, plants and paddocks," Goff said.
"While these restrictions can and will be enforced, we want Aucklanders to work with us to voluntarily save water by doing things like taking shorter showers and using dishwashers and washing machines only when full."
The second stage of water restrictions would include banning all watering of sports fields. Goff said if Aucklanders don't do their bit and winter and spring does not bring enough rainfall, more "draconian" restrictions could be implemented.
Councillor Linda Cooper, who is the liaison councillor for Watercare, says enforcement will take a "graduated approach" with education being the first priority. Prosecutions may occur, however, if there are significant or repeated breaches.
"Aucklanders understand the need to conserve water during this time, and we are hoping that people will voluntarily restrict activities such as watering their gardens and using water-blasters without the need for enforcement,” she said.
“If restrictions are agreed, they will be notified publicly to ensure that all Aucklanders are aware of their responsibilities.”
To highlight the need to conserve water, Watercare has been running a campaign since early February called Water is Precious. The council says this has seen a reduction in demand, even though Aucklanders have been spending more time at home due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
"While conserving water to reduce demand, other steps are being taken to increase supply of water, using more water from the Waikato River, use of aquifers and use of bores and a currently unused storage dam for non-potable water use," Goff said.
The mayor acknowledged that people are already under stress due to the pandemic, which is why the council delayed implementing the restrictions.
"But now we have to start taking stronger action to conserve water," he said.
Watercare chief executive Raveen Jaduram earlier this week shared with The AM Show some tips for people to reduce their water usage:
- taking shorter showers. Jaduram challenges people to cut the water at the four-minute mark
- turning the tap off when the water is not in use e.g. when brushing your teeth
- when washing your hands for 20-seconds as per the Ministry of Health's COVID-19 guidelines, wet your hands and turn off the tap while lathering the soap. When your hands are well cleaned, turn the tap back on to rinse
- using the hose and water-blaster as little as possible. Try not to wash the car or water the garden unless it's absolutely necessary.
