In times of extremely high water use, the Council can impose water restrictions.

When water use exceeds the rate at which we can fill reservoirs, we may impose restrictions. For example, if we go three days in a row without being able to completely fill the reservoirs, we may need to introduce restrictions. 

Keeping the reservoirs full helps maintain pressure, which is especially important for firefighting. 

Restrictions are imposed in Akaroa most summers. At this stage there are no restrictions. For updates, check the Akaroa Sign or call 0800 800 169.

There are different levels of restrictions that can be introduced under the provisions of the Water Supply, Wastewater and Stormwater Bylaw 2014.

Water restrictions guide

Restriction Level Water Conservation Method
Level 1 – Alternate day watering
  • Use of hoses, sprinklers and garden irrigation systems is permitted on alternate days
  • Even numbered properties on even days
  • Odd numbered properties on odd days.
Level 2 – Hand held hosing only
  • Hand-held hoses may be used at any time
  • Unattended hoses, sprinklers, and garden irrigation systems are not permitted at any time.
Level 3 – Alternate day hand-held hosing only
  • Hand-held hoses may be used on alternate days
  • Even numbered properties - hand-held watering only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
  • Odd numbered properties - hand-held watering only on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
  • Unattended hoses, sprinklers, and garden irrigation systems are not permitted at any time.
Level 4 – Total hosing ban
  • All use of water outside the house must cease
  • Hand-held hoses, unattended hoses, sprinklers, and garden irrigation systems are not permitted at any time.