Getting rid of summer water restrictions has decreased water use in Whanganui, Whanganui District Council infrastructure manager Mark Hughes says.
Council found when restrictions were in place and people had limited times of the day to access water, they tended to use it whether or not they needed to.
"We've had no restrictions for two years and we've managed the supply well," Mr Hughes said.
"Since we've lifted the restrictions we've actually found a decrease in the water being used."
Mr Hughes was talking to council's infrastructure and special project committee on Tuesday about recent a Ministry of Health audit that gave Whanganui's water a clean bill of health.