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Water Restrictions

As part of our resource consent to take drinking water from the Waingawa River, the Council is required to have a Water Conservation Management Plan (PDF, 343KB). The goal of the plan is to preserve the health of the Waingawa River, the source of Masterton’s water.

Sprinklers on Alternate Days

The current restriction level is 'Sprinklers on Alternate Days'.

Where can I find Restriction Levels?

Summer can be very dry and restrictions on using treated water for gardens are common. Restriction levels can be found:

  • On billboards on Upper Chapel Street (near the fire station), Dixon Street at Kuripuni, and at the entrance to the Masterton transfer station on Nursery Road,
  • here on our website, and
  • on your phone using the Antenno app.

How are Restrictions Decided?

Restrictions are linked to flow levels in the Waingawa River. This means:

  • When the river’s flow rate falls below 2,000 litres per second, you can use sprinklers on alternate days (odd-numbered houses on odd days, even-numbered houses on even days). Once sprinkler use is limited to alternate days, it remains in place until the end of March.
  • If river flow rates fall below 1,300 l/s, a complete sprinkler ban may be put in place.
  • Handheld hoses can be used during sprinkler restrictions, but all watering would be prohibited if river flows fall below 1,100l/s.

It is good practice to conserve water at all times.

Do your part, be water smart

We all need to play our part in saving water. Find ways to save water around your home by checking out the Smarter Homes website or download our water conservation guide (PDF, 891KB).

You can also try some of these tips to help you save water at home:

  • Water your garden before 7am or after 9pm.
  • Water your garden with a handheld hose only.
  • Most gardens do well being watered every other day at most.
  • Water your garden at cooler, less windy times of the day to ensure your plants retain the water they need.
  • Set your lawn mower to leave grass slightly longer. Short grass dries out sooner.

  • Turn off the tap when cleaning your teeth or shaving – you could save 10 litres of water a minute.
  • Reduce your shower time to four minutes or less.
  • Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors.
  • Use the half flush on your toilet.

  • Wait until you have a full load before starting your dishwasher. Use the eco-setting if you can.
  • Avoid rinsing dishes.

  • Wait until you have a full load before starting your washing machine, or use the partial load settings.

  • Use a broom to sweep your driveway rather than hosing it clean.
  • Wash your car with a bucket of water on the lawn and you’ll water your lawn at the same time.

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