The first summer water restriction for the Coromandel has been issued with Whangamata now on a sprinkler ban.

Other towns, especially Tairua, are also being requested to start water conservation practices ahead of the upcoming peak season.

A sprinkler ban is now in force in Whangamata. It the first summer water restriction for the peninsula issued by the Thames-Coromandel District Council. Photo: File

Thames-Coromandel District Council's Water Services manager Ian Smith says last year starting on Christmas Day, people in Whangamata consumed about 77-and-a-half million litres of water over two weeks.

'This year, lower ground water levels in the Coromandel and lower water flows than usual, mean that water restrictions have started earlier than usual this summer.”

The effects of the current El Nino also means a drier than normal summer season is expected for the Coromandel Peninsula.

The message for other towns like Tairua, Pauanui, Onemana and Hahei is to use smart water conservation habits ahead of the peak season, especially with forecasts of a drier summer than in 2014.

Last year Onemana used 25 per cent more water than in previous years, leading to an unusual hose and sprinkler ban over the peak period. While Whitianga's over 60 million litres of water over two weeks ranked second to overall in the Coromandel's heaviest water use.

Ian says this year, if required, council will implement an intermediate restriction whereby alternate day watering will be allowed.

'Properties with odd street numbered addresses will be able to use a hose on odd numbered days and properties with even street numbered addresses will be able to use hose on even numbered days,” he explains.

'That way, at worst, you only need to wait a day to use the hose again, still being mindful of the need to conserve water.”

There is still the likelihood that total water restrictions may have to be implemented should predicted weather patterns eventuate.

'Water conservation is always important,” adds Ian, 'but this summer could bring some special challenges. Everybody can make some small changes to their water usage in the next couple of weeks that can make a massive difference across the Coromandel.”

TOP 5 SMART WATER CONSERVATION TIPS:

1. Wait until you can do full loads before you wash dishes or use the washing machine.
2. Don't run the water when brushing your teeth.
3. For cool drinking water, fill a jug and keep it in the fridge. Running water to cool it down can waste 10 litres a minute.
4. For lawns, apply the ‘step test' – if grass springs back after you walk on it, it doesn't need watering.
5. If your toilet has a dual flush button, use the half flush.

LAST SUMMER'S FIGURES - Water consumption from December 23, 2014, to January 6, 2015:

• Whangamata: 77,493,100 litres (up 12 per cent on 2013-14)
• Whitianga: 60,339,000 litres (down 7 per cent on 2013-14)
• Pauanui: 29,091,000 litres (up 13 per cent on 2013-14)
• Matarangi: 23,424,000 litres (down 2 per cent on 2013-14)
• Tairua: 22,268,000 litres (up 5 per cent on 2013-14)
• Onemana: 5,370,000 litres (up 25 per cent on 2013-14)
• Hahei (TCDC Supply): 2,098,604 litres (up 18 per cent on 2013-14)