Water Conservation Kōrero āwhina penapena wai

Know our water Hawke's Bay

We’re encouraging our Hawke's Bay residents to really get to know our water this summer.

To gain a greater understanding and build a better relationship with our unique resource, how we use water, why we need to look after it, and how to do that.

Wise-up on the whys and the ways of smart water use, Hawke’s Bay.

The why

Here in the Hawke’s Bay, we’ve got something pretty special. It’s our precious freshwater – and it connects us all.

Freshwater is a finite resource – we’ve got to look after it. If we take more out than we need, or if we don’t protect it, the whole environment is affected – both above and below ground. So it’s our responsibility to keep that balance right.

The ways

Being mindful of water usage looks different for everyone. The key thing is that the little changes do all add up. Here are a few water-saving tips that can make a difference.

Inside

Tips for saving water inside the home

• Check for leaks and fix any leaking taps, pipes and cisterns
• Use 'eco' settings on dishwashers and washing machines if available and don’t run them unless they are full
• Scrape dirty dishes rather than rinsing
• Turn off taps while brushing teeth
• Take shorter showers
• Limit toilet flushing: if it's yellow let it mellow
• Store drinking water in the fridge instead of running the tap cold

Outside

Tips for saving water outside the home

• Follow the water restrictions when in place
• Don't water the concrete, use a directional sprinkler
• Reuse 'grey water' from the washing machine on lawns and gardens where possible
• Use a bucket of water when washing the car rather than the hose
• Use a broom to clean paths rather than hosing
• Put off topping up swimming pools and use a cover to minimise evaporation