Omarama has cut its water use by about two-thirds - good news for the Waitaki Valley town that struggles to meet demand during dry summers.
Ahuriri Community Board chairman and Omarama businessman Craig Dawson suspected something was amiss with the town's excessive water consumption, so called in the Waitaki District Council to inspect the supply.
Major leaks were discovered, including a Sutherland Rd house virtually disconnected from the mains and water was pouring into the ground.
Mr Dawson said tests showed the pressure was "way down".
At his home, in summer, it was difficult to get enough pressure to run a single simple sprinkler.
Leaks in the main pipes and at homes were repaired, and last month water consumption was a third of the same month last year.
The town will in two years upgrade its water supply to meet new drinking-water standards.
The upgrade will include investigating whether more capacity is needed.
"We have always struggled to meet demand at peak periods, but repairing the leaks and cutting consumption is going to make a difference," Mr Dawson said.
