Residents around Lake Hayes are being ordered to cut their water use after "unsustainable" demand on the network this month.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council said water alert level 1 restrictions were in place with immediate effect for properties around Lake Hayes.
QLDC infrastructure operations manager Simon Mason said the local water network had experienced "significant and sustained demand" this month which resulted in a consistent breach of the area’s water take limits.
"Water is being drawn from the Lake Hayes bore at an unsustainable rate and beyond what we’re allowed to take.
"By making a few simple changes to how water is being used at home, everyone can help ensure we return to within our approved limits."
The restrictions apply to properties around Lake Hayes, including Bendemeer Lane, Threepwood Rd, Slopehill Rd and Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Rd.
Residents and visitors in the area are required to keep hand-held hosing to a minimum at all times and only use irrigation sprinklers between midnight and 6am when general demand is at its lowest.
Reservoir levels were being monitored throughout the Queenstown Lakes district as the warm and dry summer led to high water use, the council said. — APL
