As of Thursday 11 December, 2025 the Kawerau District has started water restriction, we are currently in level 2, please conserve water. 

With another hot summer approaching, it’s important to use water wisely.

 In Kawerau we are currently using 227 litres of water per person per day*. This is in line with the New Zealand average, however, we are only just starting to feel the summer heat. Please be mindful of your water  usage, and reduce water consumption  where possible.
 

Why does the community need to reduce water?
Kawerau currently only uses one source for drinking water, the Tarawera Bores. Last summer, due to the high demand, Council was given permission from the landowner, Māori Investments Limited (MIL) to use wai from Umukaraka Spring for the summer period. With MIL’s support, Council was issued a temporary resource consent. 
The Kawerau community is permitted to take a maximum of 12,000 cubic metres of water per day from all sources.
There are limitations on the volume of drinking water that can be pumped from the source, processed, pumped to the reservoirs and then supplied to the community.  Council, on behalf of the Kawerau community, is responsible for preserving this resource, and being a good kaitiaki by encouraging water conservation.
*Water usage figures exclude commercial and industrial users that generally have resource consents to take water directly from the Tarawera River. Commercial businesses supplied by Council are metered and charged for the volume they use. 
Let’s work together whānau, to be good kaitiaki | stewards for our water.

At times during the summer, demand exceeds supply. Once the Council advises people to restrict their use, consumption usually falls, so there is no need to impose full restrictions.

The resource is not unlimited, so if you have leaking taps or run sprinklers for very long periods, it is a cost to the community.

If you see water flowing in a street, or somewhere it doesn't normally flow, please contact the Council >>.

Water Usage during hot dry weather 

During periods of hot and dry weather conditions, Kawerau residents are asked to limit their water usage, particularly for lawn and garden sprinkling. 
High water usage can also affect the water pressure. 

When it comes to conserving water, every drop counts - a dripping tap can waste up to 90 litres of water a day.

Here are some easy things you can do to help conserve our water:

• Check your tank, taps, hoses etc. for leaks 
• Reduce shower time/frequency where possible 
• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth and shaving 
• Limit use of appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines 
• Do not use town supply for stock 
• Limit washing of boats or vehicles.
• Run your dishwasher only when it's full
• Turn your taps off properly and repair dripping taps
• Store drinking water in the fridge instead of running the tap cold

The Council wants to thank the community for their cooperation in conserving water.

Turning-off your water

Water is supplied to each house separately. If you want to turn your supply off there is a valve near the boundary line between the road and your property.
To find the valve, look for the white paint on the kerb outside your property. The valve will be about 500mm below the ground under a small blue aluminium lid. If you can't find the valve, or have trouble turning it off, please contact the Council >>.

Drinking Water Precautions

The Ministry of Health recommends you flush a cup of water from your drinking water taps each morning.

The softness of New Zealand water is associated with leaching of metals such as lead from plumbing fittings. Flushing your taps helps to remove these metals.

Although the health risk is small, all households should follow this simple precaution.

Please phone the Council on 07 306 9009 at any time if you experience any issues with your water. After hours calls can be directed to the Duty Supervisor.

Plugging Leaks

The Council is serious about saving water and actively looks for street leaks. 

If you see water leaking from a hydrant, a toby (your main water shut off valve), or anywhere else, please contact Customer Services on 07 306 9009.

Watering Your Garden

Kawerau’s highest water use happens in summer when more water is used outside, particularly on gardens. The Council encourages watering gardens during cooler times of the day.

The following tips will help make water go farther:

• Check soil moisture. If your soil is moist 10 centimetres below the surface, you don't need to water.
• Water in cool, settled weather. Water your garden on calmer days, in the cool of early morning, or in the evening.
• Aim low and slow. Water close to the ground at a rate the soil can absorb.
• Use a sprinkler. Established plants should only need 30 minutes watering once or twice a week in dry weather.
• Use mulch. Mulch protects your soil from the drying effects of wind and sun, and it can cut evaporation by 70 percent.