Bay of Plenty councils are joining forces with Irrigation NZ to run a summer smart watering programme to remind gardeners to use water wisely in the garden.

The campaign offers people a range of tips, tools and technology to help them save water use.

SMART Watering is all about knowing how much your garden needs, when and where it needs water and what you can do to retain moisture in your soil, says Irrigation NZ CEO, Andrew Curtis.

'Often when we get lots of summer rainfall, people tend to think they don't need to worry about conserving water but in fact the opposite is true,” says Andrew.

'If you're careful with your water when it's plentiful, it might just help stave off restrictions when the hot, dry weather finally hits.”

Things like making sure the sprinkler waters the plants and not the patio, driveway or footpath; using timers; watering early in the morning and in the evening and using mulch to help the soil retain water, all help.

Longer term, find out what plants grow well in the area with little requirement for water. Think about installing rainwater tanks or maybe even consider installing a home irrigation system.

Washing the car on the grass waters the lawn as well as preventing cleaning products going into the stormwater system. Or, even better, be proud of a dirty car.

As well as offering practical advice, the SMART Watering campaign will also publish stories of people and businesses who are doing their bit to save water.

'Water matters to everyone and often it's the stories we see about what other people are doing that prompt us to take action in our own environment,” says Andrew.

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