Tauranga's water restrictions still in place

Water restrictions are still in place across the city. Photo/supplied

Water restrictions are still in place despite heavy rainfall during last week's storm.

Tauranga City Council put a total ban on using residential sprinklers and hosing down hard surfaces such as driveways and paths for the first time in 17 years last month.

People can water their gardens by hand using a hose or watering can only between 5am and 8am, and 7pm and 10pm.

The council's city waters manager Steve Burton said the water restrictions were still in place despite heavy rain and flooding during last Friday's storm.

"The rain has been great, because it slows people's water use. But rain doesn't top up the amount of drinking water we have in storage," Burton said.

"It just means that for a short time, people stop using as much water as they usually would during summer, particularly trying to keep their gardens green. Now that it's hot and sunny again, we are expecting people to start using more water."

Burton said at this stage the council could not say when water restrictions were likely to end. However, he said the council continually monitored overall water consumption and was watching weather trends.

"We don't have weeks of storage. Whatever water we can provide is being used on a continuous basis," he said.

"We've still got the hottest, driest period of summer ahead of us, so we all need to continue to be mindful of our water use."

Small changes to outdoor water use can make a big difference overall, Burton said.

"We still need people to stick to our current sprinkler ban and watering restrictions, and to generally be mindful about their non-essential water use, especially outside."

Burton thanked city water users for their efforts to conserve water and for observing the current water restrictions.

"The rain has given us (and our gardens) some temporary relief, but with months of hot, dry weather on the way it's important we keep up the good work."

To report water leaks or breaches of water restrictions, phone 577 7000.