Temporary water restrictions levels review

Closes: 20 September 2026

Let’s check in – changes to our Water restrictions levels

We’re refreshing the Water restriction levels in the Appendix 1of the Policy on Temporary Water Restrictions, which sets out outdoor water uses and activities that are restricted when Dunedin is impacted by water shortages.

The proposed changes will make the policy easier to understand, and we’d like your feedback to help us make the final plan.

In line with other councils across New Zealand, we’re suggesting the following changes:

Including voluntary restrictions in the framework and outlining the details of Level 4 restrictions
Changing the timeframes of limited outdoor water activities to between 6am - 8pm, rather than 8am – 8pm
Adding alternate day restrictions to Level 2
Allowing watering of vegetable gardens via handheld hose or watering can at all levels, except Level 4.

Water Restrictions Policy Appendix 1

Water Restrictions Policy 2010

The proposed changes:

Level number	Voluntary/summertime water restrictions	Level 1- low level of water restriction	Level 2 – medium level of water restriction	Level 3 – high level of water restriction	Level 4 – extreme level of water restriction
Level description	In place from 1 December to 30 April^[1]	Timed usage to avoid peak demand (some residential outdoor water use permitted only between 8pm to 6am)	Sprinklers are not permitted, timed usage to avoid peak demand, and some residential outdoor water use restricted to alternate days^[2]	All residential outdoor water use not permitted, apart from handheld watering of vegetable gardens	Essential^[3] indoor water use only during critical water shortage or emergency situations^[4]
Target Demand Reduction	0-10%	10%	20%	30%	+30%
Restrictions on Water Use for Residential Users
Level description	Voluntary	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
General outdoor watering of private gardens and lawns
Use of sprinklers/irrigation systems	Recommend using sprinklers sparingly	Permitted only between 8pm to 6am	Not Permitted	Not Permitted	Not Permitted
Use of handheld hose/watering can	Recommend using handheld hose/watering can when needed	Permitted only between 8pm to 6am	Permitted only between 8pm to 6am on alternate days	Not Permitted	Not Permitted
Watering of vegetable gardens via handheld hose/watering can	Recommend watering vegetable gardens as needed	Recommend watering vegetable gardens as needed	Recommend watering vegetable gardens as needed	Permitted only between 8pm to 6am	Not Permitted
All other outdoor water use including but not limited to the filling of swimming pools, spas, paddling pools, washing cars, use of water toys (slip and slides and toys attached to hoses) cleaning the exterior surfaces of homes etc.
Applies to any form of water use that occurs outside private homes	Recommend sensible water use for these activities	Recommend sensible water use for these activities	Permitted between 8pm to 6am on alternate days	Not Permitted	Not Permitted
Restrictions on Water Use for Non-Residential Users
Level description	Voluntary	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
Non-Residential Water Use
Outdoor water use	Recommend that non-residential water users use water sensibly and are to be pragmatic and responsible with their outdoor water use		Non-residential water users are encouraged to minimise water use or where possible reschedule outdoor water use until the restrictions have been lifted		Restrictions will be determined at the time

Note

Or during any other time that the Council chooses
Alternate days means that residents whose street address number is even can use water on days with even dates, and odd numbered addresses can use water with odd dates
Essential indoor water use refers to water used for drinking, food preparation, and personal hygiene
The Council may restrict other water use activities at this level if required to reduce demand. Water restrictions imposed at this level may impact residential and/or non-residential water users

General water saving tips:
- Outdoors
  - Give your garden a deep soak every few days. This encourages deeper roots and reduces water loss from evaporation. Adjust your lawn mower to cut 40-50mm. Taller grass holds soil moisture better.
  - Add mulch to your garden around your plants, you can even use lawn clippings as mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
  - In dry weather, check your garden every 4-7 days, if your soil is moist 10cm below the surface don’t worry about watering.
  - Check your hose and sprinkler for leaks.
  - Use a timer on your sprinkler, watering only when the sun has gone down to avoid evaporation.
  - Use a trigger nozzle on your hose.
  - Wash your car/boat on a grass surface or use a car washing facility.
  - Cover pools and spas to prevent water evaporation.
  - Use a broom instead of water to clean hard surfaces such as foot paths and driveways.
- Indoors
  - Have a shorter shower or cut down on the amount of water for your bath. Each minute in the shower uses about 14 litres of water and filling a bathtub takes about 300 litres.
  - Turn off your tap when you are brushing your teeth or shaving.
  - Set your washing machine to the proper load size or hold off on putting the machine on until a full load has accumulated.
  - Keep an eye on your taps for leaks. A dripping tap uses 100 litres a day.
  - Check your toilet for leaks, a continuously running toilet can waste more than 700 litres of water a day.
  - Use a small bowl rather than a full sink or running water to wash vegetables. You can then put the bowl of wash water on the garden afterwards.
  - Defrost food in the fridge rather than using running water.
  - Recycle old water from pet bowls, kettles, etc. to water plants.
  - Hold off putting the dishwasher on until it has a full load. Use the dishwasher in preference to handwashing – dishwashers use less water than handwashing.
  - Keep a bottle or jug of cool water in the fridge rather than running the tap and waiting for it to cool.
- Planning for the future
  - Choose plants that don’t need too much water.
  - Position plants with similar watering needs together (called hydro-zoning), this enables you to water them more effectively.
  - Look for the 6-star Water Conservation rating if you are buying new appliances.
  - Consider installing aerated tap mixers and a water-saving shower head.
  - Consider installing a dual-flush toilet cistern or place a weight in the cistern to reduce capacity.

Have your say

Do you think these proposed changes are right? What would make a difference to you? We want to know.

You can share what is important to you on this page until 5pm Sunday 20 September.

If you have questions that aren’t covered above, please email water.quality@dcc.govt.nz, or call our friendly Customer Services team on 03 477 4000.

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