City water engineers are expecting record demands on the Tauranga water supply this summer.

Because of this, residents are being urged to think carefully about their water usage in the coming months.

'We now have more people living here in Tauranga than ever before and this, combined with our recent dry spell and the predicted hot, dry summer, means our water supplies are under increasing pressure,” says Tauranga City Council City Waters Manager Steve Burton.

'We need to be particularly mindful of our water use during the warmer months and make sure we're all doing our bit to conserve this precious resource.”

As the days heat up, many people start to water their lawns and gardens – one of the major challenges the city faces over summer water use.

'There are simple ways everyone can save water over the warmer months while still taking care of their gardens,” says Steve.

'If you water your garden, make sure every drop counts – don't water the footpath, and restrict watering to the cooler hours of the day so the moisture doesn't evaporate.

'Avoid using sprinklers and if you have a hand-held hose, make sure you use the water wisely.”

Tauranga has been fortunate to avoid water restrictions since water meters were introduced in 2000, says Steve.

'There's enough water this summer for everyone if we don't go overboard, so let's do our best to avoid water restrictions again this summer by conserving water wherever we can.”

Water saving tips:

• Fix drips and leaks in and around your home.
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean paths.
• Turn the hose off when moving around your property.
• Use a bucket to wash the car.

For more information and conservation tips, visit.