Napier moving to Level 3 water restrictions today

Published: 29 November 2024

Last Updated: 9 December 2024

Napier is using more water per person than most other places in New Zealand. After a dry winter and weeks of warm weather, water use in the city is out-stripping supply. Napier is currently using between 500 and 570 litres of water per person per day. This time last year the usage was closer to 400 litres per person per day.

The city will move to Level 3 water restrictions immediately while its neighbour Hastings remains at Level 2. Hastings is assessing this level on a daily basis due to ongoing dry weather and high demand.

Level 3 Water Restrictions mean a total ban on using sprinklers. Hand-held hoses can be used on alternate days and only between 6am and 8am, then 7pm and 9pm.

The need to limit water use, especially over the next week, is exacerbated by issues with one of Napier’s water bores, which provides drinking water to the city. One of the pumps that runs the system has malfunctioned and new parts are being brought in to fix it. Level 3 water restrictions will remain in place until all water sources are back online and daily water use comes down to acceptable levels to ensure the system can manage demand.

We are undertaking works on one of our drinking water bores. This work is urgent and will take place over the weekend. Key components of our pump and pipe system will be replaced on Saturday. On Sunday, the system will be flushed and tested. This may mean some water is pumped out of the system and onto the ground for in-field testing. This is essential to ensure our water network is clean, safe and back in business as soon as possible. The emergency works will mean King Street will be closed between Peddie Street and Meeanee Road from 7:30am to 2:00pm on Saturday 30 November.

More information on Water Restrictions here.

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