Water conservation

Use a bit less, make a big difference

With one storage lake ‘down’ this summer, there’ll be less stored water for Porirua, Wellington, Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt, so there’s more chance of a water shortage if the weather’s fine.

Now more than ever, it’s worthwhile to use a bit less water. If we all work together, we can ease the pressure on the water supply and avoid tough restrictions.

There are loads of easy ways to use a bit less – and help make a big difference – so please read on, pick something new that’s simple for you and be water-smarter this summer.

Use a bit less – outside

•  Mulch your garden to keep moisture in
• Control your hose with a flow ‘trigger gun’
• Choose plants well suited to local conditions

More on water smart outdoor tips 

Use a bit less – inside

• Fix leaks – taps, toilets and pipes
• Toilets – use an old plastic bottle to save a litre or two every flush
• Look for water-efficiency labels on appliances such as washing machines

More on water smart indoor tips

Rainwater tanks

Greater Wellington encourages the installation of rainwater tanks, including for use in an emergency, such as an earthquake.  We've compiled some information for you to consider if you are considering installing a rainwater tank at your home.

Rainwater tanks

Why do we need to conserve water?

The water supply for Lower Hutt, Porirua, Upper Hutt and Wellington comes from several rivers and an aquifer (an underground water source).  These sources are dependent on regular rainfall.

During spring and summer, long periods of low rainfall can restrict the amount of water available to treat and cause water use to increase – by as much as 50%. At these times our ability to supply enough water to meet demand can be tested.

Using a bit less water has environmental and cost benefits, and this summer, with only about half the usual reserves in our storage lakes to back up river and aquifer supplies, the risk of a shortage is higher than usual, so we'll need everyone to be ready to save a bit more water.

Find out more about why it's important to conserve water in the four cities.

Current watering restrictions

Check the current watering restrictions for Wellington, Porirua, Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt