Effective immediately, Pahiatua will move to alternate day water restrictions. This measure is necessary due to the current water supply being unable to meet the increasing demand.

Alternate day restrictions means that hand-held hoses only may be used on alternate days. i.e. houses with even street numbers on even days, and houses with odd street numbers on odd days.

Over the past week, water demand has consistently exceeded supply, preventing the reservoir from reaching its standard level of 85% capacity. Currently, the average water usage in Pahiatua is approximately 1,250m³ per day, but recent figures show usage ranging between 1,300m³ and 1,500m³ per day.

All other towns to start conserving water

Now is the time to conserve water to avoid restrictions for our other towns.

With the increase in temperatures, Council is already seeing evidence of an increase in water usage to “beat the heat”. Water usage in almost all of Tararua’s major towns has increased in recent weeks. While this is expected during periods of warm weather, Council is asking residents to be mindful of their usage and reduce water usage where possible.

According to the Horizons Dry Weather Summary, the Tararua District has so far only had 67% of average rainfall over the past four months and “is currently experiencing drier than average weather”.  The summary also states that “across the Tararua District total rainfall between 1st of September 2024 and 5th of December 2024 are lower than for the same period last year and during the last dry event in 2013. The rainfall totals are comparable to the 2020 dry event.”

While there is some scattered rain forecast over the next 10 days, it is not expected to be substantial or prolonged and benefits to water supplies will be minimal.

Mike Dunn, Council’s Three Water Manager has said that “the Tararua District is staring down the barrel of a fairly dry summer, and that water restrictions are a real possibility unless usage habits change.”

Due to the dry conditions, river levels have dropped rapidly. When this occurs, council's consent to draw water from the rivers is reduced. Consequently, with water being used faster than it can be replenished, significant pressure is being placed on the system.

Council has an ongoing leak detection programme, which has resulted in some significant improvements. This work is part of regular monitoring of Council’s drinking water network and helps find leaks in the reticulation pipes. You can also help to report a leak in the streets and/or public spaces, by calling our friendly customer service team. You can also send us a message on Facebook, email or Antenno. Research has shown that the most water is wasted in the household.  It’s easy to start saving water around the house and in the garden and be smart with your water use. “We would like people to conserve water through smart use, so everyone has the water they need.” Simple measures like taking shorter showers, filling the sink to wash dishes instead of running a tap, and not running the tap but using a mug with water while brushing teeth can make a huge difference.”

How can I conserve water?

Want to reduce your household usage further with some easy tips and tricks? Head to www.tararuadc.govt.nz/services/water-and-wastewater

What is the current restriction level for my town?

You can find all information on the current water restriction levels here: https://www.tararuadc.govt.nz/services/water-and-wastewater/current-water-restrictions