The Council sets Water Use Levels to manage the Raumati, Paraparaumu and Waikanae water use within its allowable level of 23,000 cubic metres a day. If consumption of water increases, the Council moves to reduce use by moving to the next Water Use Level.
The Council aims to allow "a hand held hoses anytime" water level if consumption stays within limits.
People can apply for sprinkler exemptions if they are establishing lawns around new homes for up to four weeks. This year the Council is trialling a new exemption where, people can aslo apply for a unattended irrigation system to assist in watering garden areas if the site is well mulched, uses a water timer and uses an efficient irrigation system. Please scroll down to the bottom of the page for more details.
Water Use levels also apply in Otaki and in Paekakariki as outlined below.
The various Water Use Levels are:
Level 1: Evening sprinkler use
Unattended hoses, sprinklers, and garden irrigation systems can only be used between the hours of 7.00pm - 9.00pm; even numbered houses on even dates, and odd numbered houses on odd dates. Handheld hoses can be used at any time.
Level 2: Handheld hoses anytime
Handheld hoses can be used at anytime.
Level 3: Handheld hoses in evening (every other day from 7pm-9pm)
Handheld hoses only can be used between the hours of 7.00pm - 9.00pm; even numbered houses on even dates, and odd numbered houses on odd dates.
Current Water Use Levels
Check the Water Use Levels in your area:
Otaki Township/Beach and Waitohu Plateau: Level 1: Evening sprinkler use
Waikanae, Paraparaumu and Raumati: Level 1: Evening sprinkler use
Paekakariki: Stage 2 – Handheld hoses anytime
Unattended hoses, sprinklers and garden irrigation systems are not permitted at anytime throughout the year as agreed by the Paekakariki community.
The Water Use Level icons are on billboards around the District, such as the one below, to inform you of the current levels.
To check, you can also freephone 902-WATER (902-9283).
Otaki residents can freephone (06) 368-1628.
For water leaks and other water emergencies freephone 0800-486-486.
Efficent irrigation system exemptions
The 2007/2008 summer is predicted to be long, hot and dry. During this summer, unlimited outdoor irrigation, particularly on lawns will exhaust our daily allowable take. The Council has implemented a “Hand-held Hoses Anytime” water use limit across the District to manage water use this summer.
The Council goal is to keep water use levels at “Handheld hoses anytime” to provide enough water for people’s needs without exhausting supply. However some people’s circumstances make it difficult to use a hose, or they have installed systems that use water more efficiently than a hand held hose.
If you would like to apply for an irrigation exemption click here.
Checklist for irrigation exemptions
Below is a checklist the Council will use when assessing your application.
Garden Preparation
- Do you have a thick cover of mulch to prevent moisture loss?
Irrigating efficiently
- Irrigate in the cool of the morning or evening. This will help prevent water being lost to wind or the heat.
- Use a water timer to manage when and for how long the system irrigates the area.
- Use drippers, weeper hoses or soaker hoses to target water where it's needed and minimise water run off.
- Use wetting agents to minimise water being lost to run-off.
If you believe you qualify for an irrigation exemption, please fill out this form, drop it off or send it to:
Compliance Team
Kapiti Coast District Council
PB 601
Paraparaumu
The Council will assess each application on a case by case basis and successful applications may include a site inspection to ensure the conditions of the exemption are being followed.
Sprinkler Exemptions
During the summer months water demand often exceeds what we can take from our rivers or groundwater. To ensure summer water use remains within the limits, the Council restricts water use to handheld hoses anytime. This is enough to wash down your boat, keep the outside of your house clean and irrigate your garden.
If you are planning to plant a lawn, the Council recommends waiting until autumn or early spring. This will allow the lawn to establish a healthy root base and acclimatise to local conditions.
The Council acknowledges that houses are built in the summer months and establishing a lawn is necessary. If you need to establish a lawn, click here to download the Sprinkler Exemption form. Applications will be assessed on a case by case basis and will determine on your application, water consumption and expected climate conditions. It will take one working week to process your application.
Before applying, note the following points, which will be considered in your application:
- Why do you need a sprinkler exemption when you have a hose?
- Have you considered other water sources? Did you investigate using a bore or rainwater?
- How much topsoil will be used to support the lawn? A healthy lawn needs at least 100mm of topsoil.
- Have you applied a wetting agent over your new lawn area? A wetting agent helps the soil soak up water and retain it. Using a wetting agent is highly recommended for lawns laid on sandy soils.
- How will you irrigate your lawn and is it efficient?
Ideally, the Council is looking for:
(a) The choice of sprinkler that only wets the lawn area without wasting water. Water hitting the house or running into the gutter is of no use to anyone.
(b) Irrigating in the cool of morning or late afternoon. Irrigating in the heat of the day will waste water to evaporation.
(c) The use of a water clock, as it will help make sure you use water efficiently.
(d) An accurate estimate of water being used.
The exemption is only to establish a lawn, so consider how you will irrigate it once the exemption period has expired.