Napier restricts water use as demand outstrips supply

Level three water restrictions are now in place in Napier due to heavy water use amid a dry spell of weather, the council says.

There are five levels of possible water restrictions, and Napier City Council says level three is necessary because the city is currently using more water per person than most other places in the country.

"After a dry winter and weeks of warm weather, water use in the city is out-stripping supply," it said.

"Napier is currently using between 500 and 570 litres of water per person per day. This time last year the usage was closer to 400 litres per person per day."

Level three water restrictions mean a total ban on using sprinklers.

Hand-held hoses can only be used on alternate days, between 6am and 8am, then 7pm and 9pm.

The council said the need to limit water use was exacerbated by a problem with a water bore which provides drinking water to the city.

"One of the pumps that runs the system has malfunctioned and new parts are being brought in to fix it.

"Level three water restrictions will remain in place until all water sources are back online and daily water use comes down to acceptable levels to ensure the system can manage demand."