Managing water use new normal

Published: 11 April 2023

Last Updated: 26 April 2023

Napier water restrictions have been lifted today meaning householders can return to normal water use. But managing water demand by changing habits is an important part of adapting to climate changes and protecting precious resources.

Napier’s wastewater treatment plant’s milliscreen is now back in operation and Napier has moved its water restrictions to Level 1.

Russell Bond, Acting Executive Director of Infrastructure, believes changing the way we think about water use is important and, with practice, becomes a ‘new normal’.

“Over the past two months everyone here in Napier has had to think carefully about how we use water, what we put down our sinks and into our drains, and how easy it is to make some really good habit changes.”

“Thinking about the hows and whens of water use needs to become our new normal, like recycling and ethical shopping,” says Russell. “Changing behaviours is relatively simple and it’s a big help when it comes to managing our water resource and looking after our stormwater and wastewater systems.”

Things that help manage water use and keep water systems running well, says Russell, include only flushing the 3Ps (poo, pee and (toilet) paper), giving the garden a decent soaking less often, washing the car on the grass rather than on concrete, and repairing leaks around the house.

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