Water restrictions
Level 3 water restriction for Christchurch started on 8 October 2011.
Christchurch’s water supply systems were badly damaged during the 4 September, 22 February and 13 June earthquakes, the results of which have meant water restrictions are being imposed for the city for the first time since the drought of 1998.
The infrastructure required to pump water around the city on a peak-demand summer day, has been severely damaged by earthquakes over the last 12 months. We need to reduce the outdoor water consumption across the city this summer, as the damaged water infrastructure can not support this level of demand over the summer months.
The restrictions are necessary to ensure the Council can supply Christchurch residents with the indoor water they need as summer approaches. If residents do not comply with the restrictions from October, watering bans may have to be imposed for the city.
Please note these restrictions do not apply to residents with private water supplies e.g. private wells, nor do they apply to industries where water is required for production.
How are we doing? View latest water consumption graphs
Water restrictions Frequently Asked Questions
Water saving tips
Waterwise workshop video - useful advice on how to minimise water usage in your garden over summer.
Report a leak - please choose Water as the type of service.
Water restrictions guide
Restriction Level | Water Conservation Method | Notes |
| Level 1 Alternative day watering | Use of hoses, sprinklers and garden irrigation systems is permitted on alternative days. - Even numbered properties on even days. - Odd numbered properties on odd days. | -The water supply is expected to start to come under pressure. |
| Level 2 Hand held hosing only | Hand-held hoses may be used at any time. Unattended hoses, sprinklers, and garden irrigation systems are not permitted at any time. | -The water supply is under considerable pressure. -Imposed when there is a water shortage and considerable water savings are required. -Often imposed during peak demand periods |
| Level 3 Alternate day hand-held hosing only | Hand-held hoses may be used on alternative days. - Even numbered properties - hand-held watering only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. - Odd numbered properties - hand-held watering only on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Unattended hoses, sprinklers, and garden irrigation systems are not permitted at any time. | -The water supply is under extreme pressure. -Imposed when previous restrictions have not resulted in sufficient reduction in water use, and/or when a significant increase in demand is predicted. -Often passed-by, with restrictions moving directly from Level 2 to Level 4. |
| Level 4 Total hosing ban | All use of water outside the house must cease. Hand held hoses, unattended hoses, sprinklers, and garden irrigation systems are not permitted at any time. | -The water supply level is critical. |
Sustainable water supply
Designing projects to enhance our environmental and social sustainability, such as protecting our artesian resources and maintaining the quality of streams and rivers, are key objectives of our water strategy.
We aim to look after our community’s health and well-being through a wastewater system that meets our people's needs now and into the future.
To help preserve our future source of water we have initiated campaigns on sustainable living within the community, like becoming Waterwise in the home, and provide education resources for sustainability and reducing waste.
Contact us
City Water and Waste
Phone: (03) 941 8999
Email: info@ccc.govt.nz
