Stage 3 water restrictions

Auckland's water supply is currently stable

That means Auckland is in the water is precious stage where we encourage everyone to use water wisely

The sections below outline what to do if stage 3 restrictions are introduced


Residential water restrictions
boy using watering can

Watering lawns and gardens in residential premises

  • There is a total ban on all irrigation systems and hoses. 

  • ​Only watering cans and buckets can be used. 

concrete pavement

Cleaning hard surfaces in residential premises

  • Cleaning of paths, roads, driveways, etc. or outdoor artificial surfaces is not permitted except for spot cleaning for health and safety or biosecurity purposes, using a high pressure water cleaner or water from a bucket. 

bucket of soapy water

General outdoor cleaning (other than hard surfaces) in residential premises

  • There is a total ban on using potable water (water from the metropolitan network) for general outdoor cleaning, except where required for health, safety, hygiene purposes, and graffiti removal - which can occur at any time by any suitable means.

Swimming pool covered

Swimming pools, spas and recreational water use in residential premises 

  • Please follow stage 1 restrictions for existing pools or spas, provided a permanent cover is used.

  • ​Pools and spas without covers may only be topped up if an engineer certifies that this is required for structural or health and safety reasons.

  • Paddling or temporary pools may not be filled.

tankered water

Use of tankered drinking water

  • Tankers can only source drinking water from approved Watercare filling stations. 

  • Tankers supplying the wider Auckland region for essential uses only are permitted to fill from the Watercare system. 

  • The volume delivered to each property will be limited to the Auckland average per capita consumption per household resident. A reasonable allowance for animal drinking water is also permitted. 


commercial water restrictions
 

Watering lawns and gardens in non-residential premises

  • Potable water (water from the metropolitan network) cannot be used for watering if it is not the customer’s core business.

Non-business related cleaning

  • Potable water cannot be used for cleaning except where required for health, safety, hygiene purposes.

Commercial business functions

  • Water efficiency audits must be in place and tailored water savings plans agreed to with our top 50 water-using customers.
  • For all other remaining commercial customers, a 15% mandatory water saving is required.

Agricultural and horticultural uses

  • Potable water use is not allowed other than for stock watering and domestic use.

Use of tankered drinking water

  • Tankers can only source drinking water from approved Watercare filling stations.

  • Tankers supplying the wider Auckland region for essential uses only are permitted to fill from the Watercare system.

  • Non-residential customers receiving water from tankers that source water from Watercare filling stations are subject to the same restrictions as our customers connected to the metropolitan network. Please see the residential restrictions section at the top of this page.


Click the water drops to reveal the restriction stages
Water is precious
Preparing for drought
Stage 1 water restrictions
Stage 2 water restrictions
Stage 3 water restrictions
Stage 4 water restrictions