Water restrictions in Tauranga have been lifted with immediate effect.

'With the changes in the weather and cooler temperatures, restrictions are no longer needed to manage water demand," says Tauranga City Council's City Waters Manager Stephen Burton.

'Households can now return to normal water use.”

A ban on the use of sprinklers was put in place on January 23, following a steady increase in water consumption due to continued hot and dry weather.

'Water usage peaked on January 22 when the city consumed over 58 million litres in one day, a record since water metering started. In recent weeks water use has remained steady at around 45 million litres a day."

Stephen is quick to attribute the success of restrictions to the community.

'A big thank you to our community for their support of water conservation this summer. We have been delighted with how responsive people have been to the conservation message and in observing water restrictions through the hot and dry period.

'It seems there is a level of acceptance that mindful water use in summer is the new normal. This attitude makes a big difference to our ability to get through dry periods."

Stephen urges people to continue to be wise with how they use water.

'It's important to remember that water is a limited resource. We all have a part to play in conserving water wherever possible both now and in the future.”

Stephen says the construction of the Waiāri Water Supply Scheme was underway, to help meet the future water supply needs of Tauranga and the wider Western Bay of Plenty.

The new water treatment plant is expected to be completed in 2022.

For more information, visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/waiari