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Be a Wai Warrior – water restrictions are here

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PUBLISHED: 5 JAN 2026
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It’s time to turn off the sprinklers and irrigation systems because NPDC’s Wai Warrior summer water restrictions are here.

Under the odds-and-evens system, hand-held hoses can be used at odd-numbered houses on odd-numbered days and at even-numbered houses on even-numbered days. The use of sprinklers, irrigation systems and unattended hoses is banned up to 31 March.

“Summer is when our water use is highest, but our supply rivers are at their lowest. Our treatment plants can produce only so much every day, and we also want to keep as much water as possible in our rivers for the benefit of the environment,” says NPDC Manager Three Waters Amy Quattlebaum.

“Gardens are where the most domestic water is used in summer and the odds-and-evens system helps ensure there’s enough water for everyone, even with our growing population.”

New Plymouth District’s average daily use has risen a little to around 300L per person, compared to 288L in 2020/21. Water meters are being installed at urban properties to encourage less water use once volumetric billing (being charged for the amount of water used) starts in mid-2027.

Amy says that building good habits around water is about taking small actions every day.

“Little changes can make a big difference, such as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or cleaning vegetables, or watering gardens only once or twice a week in dry weather,” he says.

Wai Warrior tips to reduce water use around the home include:

  • Water your garden in the early morning or the evening, when there is no wind.
  • Use a good mulch to reduce evaporation from your garden.
  • Take short showers.
  • Don’t wash down paths and driveways – use a broom instead.
  • Use a bucket and sponge rather than a hose to clean your car.

More water-saving tips for in the garden and around the home are on NPDC’s website at npdc.govt.nz/waiwarrior.

At a glance

  • New Plymouth residents consume about 30 per cent more water per person, per day than the national average.
  • About 84 per cent of 28,500 water meters have so far been installed across New Plymouth District.
  • NPDC’s three-month water restrictions began in 2018.

 

Caption: Using a bucket and sponge rather than a hose will help save water during the summer water restrictions.

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Page last updated: 09:46am Mon 05 January 2026

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