In times of extremely high water use, when demand exceeds the rate at which we can fill reservoirs, we may introduce water restrictions. Keeping reservoirs full helps maintain water pressure, which is especially important for firefighting.

There are currently no water restrictions in place for Christchurch or Banks Peninsula.

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, with time restriction
  • No outdoor water use between 3pm and 9pm
  • 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, with time restriction
  • No outdoor water use between 3pm and 9pm
  • Hand-held hoses only
  • Unattended hoses, sprinklers, and garden irrigation systems are not permitted at any time
Level 3 – Alternate day hand-held hosing only, with time restriction
  • No outdoor water use between 3pm and 9pm
  • Unattended hoses, sprinklers, and garden irrigation systems are not permitted at any time
  • 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)
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