There are no current water restrictions in place for Christchurch
The Council lifted all water restrictions for Christchurch, Lyttelton and Akaroa on 2 April, 2012.
Although restrictions have been lifted, the Council urges the public to continue to water wisely while Christchurch's water supply network is being repaired.
The FAQs below are in relation to previous restrictions. It may be helpful in aiding you to keep our water supply sustainable.
1. Why were residents being asked to conserve water?
Water restrictions were in place in Christchurch from October 2011 to 2 April 2012 because of significant earthquake damage to the water reticulation network, reservoirs and well fields.
Water restrictions started at Level 3 in October 2011, which included alternate day hand-held watering, no watering on Mondays and strict prohibition on the use of sprinklers and irrigation systems.
The restrictions were reduced to Level 2 on 10 March 2012.
2. What can I do to reduce my outdoor water usage and prevent water restrictions going to the next level?
Overall, the most preventable form of water over-use is people watering their gardens. The following tips can help reduce water usage:
Check taps and your water meter for leaks (see the link via this webpage)
Use mulch to keep your garden cool and moist.
Water the garden at cooler times of the day, in the morning or evening, to minimise evaporation and water wastage. Avoid watering on windy days (especially in north westerly conditions) as the wind quickly evaporates water.
Do not hose down paths and driveways – use a broom or blower.
Use a gun nozzle on your hose – this makes it easier to turn the water on and off, preventing water wastage, and it’s easier to direct water where it is required.
Use a bucket filled with water to wash your car.
Remember, unattended watering of a garden is not permitted (i.e. no use of automated sprinkler systems while restrictions are in place).
For more help, talk to your garden centre or local landscape supplier.
3. What is compost or mulch – what’s the difference? How do I use it on my plants?
Compost is any kind of decayed, organic plant or animal matter. Its nutrient-rich composition acts as a natural fertilizer for your plants. Mix compost with your soil before planting for the best results.
Mulch is any material placed around plants as a protective covering for the purpose of reducing weeds around the plants, increasing or decreasing soil temperature or retaining moisture around the plant. Mulches can be organic such as compost, wood chips, grass clippings, or hay to name a few.
Used together, compost and mulch are an ideal, cost-effective way to keep your plants moist and healthy over the drier months of the year.
4. I use a dripper hose which I think is more efficient than a gun nozzle, why can’t I use this instead?
Dripper hoses actually use more water over time than hand-held gun nozzles. For this reason dripper hoses, as well as sprinklers and other irrigation systems are not permitted during the water restriction period.
5. I operate a commercial business – do the same rules apply for residential water restrictions – are there any exceptions?
We understand that the water restrictions will have an impact on commercial businesses, particularly those which rely on their gardens and surrounds.
Commercial businesses with gardens (e.g. wedding venues) will have to comply with the water restrictions. Commercial operations with irrigation systems must also comply with the restrictions. However, commercial premises that rely on water use for production e.g. garden centres/nurseries, car sale yards etc are not affected by the restrictions but they are required to conserve water where possible.
6. There is no damage in my part of town so why was my area restricted?
Christchurch’s water system is pressurised through inter-connected pipes across the city. If one area loses water pressure due to high demand, another area needs to supply water so the effects can be widespread.
The city suffered significant damage to wells and water pipes in all areas of town, including areas that do not appear to have much above ground damage.
7. What will happen if restrictions are not followed?
Restrictions are based on consumption level. If consumption is not kept below the target figure restrictions will be increased. Once restrictions are activated, they will stay in place until they are lifted. The Council also has formal procedures in place to enforce the restrictions if required and will penalise those who blatantly continue to ignore the restrictions.
8. What is the legal basis for the restrictions?
The restrictions were imposed under clause 14(5) of the Water Related Services Bylaw which states that: “No person may use any water, or allow any water to be used in contravention of any restriction or prohibition made under this clause.” The breach of a water restriction is an offence under the Local Government Act 2002, and may also amount to the wastage of water under that Act.
