In times of extremely high water use, the Council can impose water restrictions.

Level 3 water restrictions for Christchurch and Lyttelton Harbour(external link) are currently in place until 31 May 2019, to allow the city's water wells to be upgraded as quickly as possible.

When water use exceeds the rate at which we can fill reservoirs, we may impose restrictions. For example, if we go three days in a row without being able to completely fill the reservoirs, we may need to introduce restrictions. 

Keeping the reservoirs full helps maintain pressure, which is especially important for firefighting. 

Restrictions are imposed in Akaroa most summers. At this stage there are no restrictions for Akaroa. For updates, check the Akaroa Sign or call 0800 800 169.

There are different levels of restrictions that can be introduced under the provisions of the Water Supply, Wastewater and Stormwater Bylaw 2014.

Water restrictions guide

Restriction level Water conservation method
Level 1 – Alternate-day watering
  • Use of hoses, sprinklers and garden irrigation systems is permitted on alternate days:
    • If you live at an on odd-numbered address, you can water your lawn or garden on odd dates (1st, 3rd, 15th, etc)
    • If you live at an even-numbered address, you can water your lawn or garden on even dates (2nd, 4th, 18th, etc).
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.
Level 3 – Alternate day hand-held hosing only
  • Hand-held hoses may be used on alternate days:
    • If you live at an on odd-numbered address, you can water your lawn or garden on odd dates (1st, 3rd, 15th, etc)
    • If you live at an even-numbered address, you can water your lawn or garden on even dates (2nd, 4th, 18th, etc)
  • Unattended hoses, sprinklers, and garden irrigation systems are not permitted at any time.
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.