Council turns the hose down

Hastings District Council is doing its bit to reduce water consumption by changing its watering schedule. Photo / Paul Taylor

Hastings District Council has reduced its watering of public parks in accordance with new water restrictions.

The restrictions, limiting the use of hoses and sprinklers, were announced on Tuesday. In Hastings and Havelock North, hoses and sprinklers may only be used between 6am and 8am and between 7pm and 9pm.

Council parks and building services manager Colin Hosford said while residents may still see council sprinklers watering public parks, a number of grounds would now go unwatered.

"We have adjusted our park and sports ground watering programme to early mornings and evenings or night time and we are no longer irrigating grounds that are not required for organised sport.

"Council recognises that our park watering programme should not be at odds with what we are asking of the community and have made the changes to help reinforce the water savings message."

Council water services manager Brett Chapman said most of the peak summer demand for water was driven by home irrigation of lawns and gardens.

"Many choose to reduce their consumption by letting lawns brown off and similarly, our parks team have reduced their irrigation programme but continue to maintain essential community gardens, recreational parks and sports fields.

"In the two days since restrictions have been in place, we have seen a drop in consumption from 60,000m3 a day to around 50,000m3 which is a significant and pleasing response to council's request."