Photo: 123RF
While water restrictions kicked in for Wellingtonians this week, Kāpiti Coast District Council is crediting its prudent investment in water meters and infrastructure for keeping the taps flowing freely this summer.
The council's infrastructure services group manager, Sean Mallon, said the council was working on increasing the resilience of its water supply network to 20,000 households and commercial premises.
"The introduction of water meters in 2014, coupled with the Waikanae River Recharge scheme and ongoing investment in the district's water supply network means we have enough water to manage long dry conditions," he said.
A new water reservoir in Ōtaki and a $22 million upgrade of the Waikanae Water Treatment Plant are in the pipelines.
"Work is also underway to renew a number of ageing pipes across the district and complete upgrades of existing bores."
Meanwhile, a ban on sprinklers and irrigation came into effect on Wednesday in the Wellington region, which is losing about 45 percent of its supply to more than 3000 leaks.
Wellington Water has warned that residents are likely to face a total ban on outdoor water use, unless there is a dramatic reduction.