Mosgiel water use restricted, Dunedin told to help out

Water restrictions have begun in Mosgiel to curb high demand in hot summer conditions.

More broadly, Dunedin residents are on notice they need to conserve water, as water levels drop throughout the city’s catchment areas.

The Dunedin City Council imposed low-level restrictions for Mosgiel from yesterday, confining the use of sprinklers, water-blasting and washing private vehicles or boats to between 8pm and 8am.

Irrigation of commercial nurseries and public gardens is also restricted to those hours.

Water use in Mosgiel had steadily increased this year, council Three Waters group manager David Ward said.

On Sunday, 11,000cum was used, about double normal demand.

"Reservoir levels in Mosgiel and Wingatui are dropping, demand is increasing and we haven’t had enough rain to avoid compulsory restrictions," Mr Ward said.

"With the hot, dry summer we’re now experiencing, we need to work together to make sure we’re not using more water than necessary."

Level 1 restrictions were aimed at reducing water use without creating major inconvenience.

"We have to manage demand to match the supply available and we hope these restrictions will bring us back into balance," Mr Ward said.

Using a watering can or hand-held hose to water the garden or lawn was allowed at all times under level 1, but watering in the evening and early morning was recommended.

"Ponds and private swimming pools may be filled with a hand-held hose between 8pm and 8am, and private fountains must be turned off."

Mr Ward encouraged people to think about the ways they used water and asked them to find simple savings.

Dunedin residents not yet affected by restrictions have been asked to conserve water voluntarily, potentially avoiding compulsory measures.