The Christchurch City Council has started the Water Like You Oughta campaign, which encourages people to think about when and how they water their gardens so the supply doesn’t come under more pressure.
Head of three waters and waste Helen Beaumont said most summers the demand for water doubles compared to winter - mostly because of people watering their gardens and lawns.
Water restrictions are usually imposed in parts of Canterbury, especially around Akaroa, most summers. There are no restrictions in place currently but for updates residents should phone 0800 800 169.
"Sprinklers and garden irrigation systems use the most household water by far, so we are asking people not to use them," Ms Beaumont said.
"We want people to use hand-held hoses only and to only water before 7am or after 9pm, when it’s cooler.
"Gardens don’t need watering every day. Watering for several minutes every second day is fine.
"Lawns especially don’t need watering – grass is tougher than most people think. If it turns brown over the summer, it‘ll go green again in autumn.
She said if people water wisely, the city may get through the summer without the need for water restrictions.
"If we do need to impose restrictions it will not be because we are at risk of running out of water. It will be because we need to ease the pressure on the water supply network.
"When it gets really hot we struggle to get water through the pipes and into the reservoirs fast enough to meet demand.
"If we can’t keep the reservoirs filled, the pressure across the network drops.
“It also leaves us exposed in the event of a fire because having enough water in the reservoirs is essential for fire-fighting.
Here are some more tips on how you can save water this summer.
