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.
Current water restrictions
Level 1 water restrictions are currently in place for Christchurch.
Level 2 water restrictions are currently in place for Akaroa, Duvauchelle and Takamatua on 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 before 3pm or after 9pm on odd dates (1st, 3rd, 15th, etc)
If you live at an even-numbered address, you can water your lawn or garden before 3pm or after 9pm 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