Water restrictions will be put in place in Tauranga from 9am tomorrow following record water use in the early weeks of summer.

Tauranga City Council City Waters Manager Steve Burton says all residential sprinklers would be banned, as well as hosing of concrete or paved surfaces such as paths and driveways.

Careful watering by hand is still permitted between 5am and 8am, and 7pm and 10pm.

'Although we're still in the early weeks of summer, the early onset of hot, dry weather, combined with our growing population, means that our water supplies are under increasing pressure,” says Steve.

'Demand for water has increased to a level that means we must impose water restrictions. These restrictions aim to reduce water consumption so that we can delay, or avoid altogether, the need for more stringent restrictions later.”

Steve says recent summery weather had caused a noticeable jump in water use in Tauranga and that was unusual to see water usage peak so early in the season.

'Over the past two weeks, the city's water use has increased by more than 10 per cent from about 46 to 51 million litres, and is up by about 10 million litres from the same time last year.

'While it is tempting to turn on the sprinklers and rush to fill up our pools, it's essential we all play our part to conserve water now so we will all be better off in the long run.”

Steve says planning for a new water supply is underway.

The Waiāri Water Supply Scheme was designed to help meet the future water supply needs of Tauranga and the wider Western Bay of Plenty.

Construction would start in 2018 and was expected to be completed in 2021.

To report water leaks or breaches of water restrictions, phone 577 7000. For more information, visit www.tauranga.govt.nz