Summer Water Use begins in Palmerston North

Published on 19 December 2025

We’re encouraging residents to get behind our Summer Water Use initiative to help Palmy avoid water restrictions for the sixth year running.

With the recent stretch of hot weather, Acting General Manager of Infrastructure Glen O’Connor says it’s more important than ever for everyone to be conscious of how much water they’re using.

Summer Water Use was introduced six years ago to encourage Palmerston North residents to voluntarily behave as though water restrictions were already in place. That means using outdoor water only between 7pm and 9pm, and only every second day. Which days you water depends on the number on your letterbox: even-numbered houses water on even dates, and odd-numbered houses on odd dates.

“Our community has really stepped up, and thanks to that effort, we’ve made it through the last several summers without needing restrictions. We’re asking everyone to get into the habit now so we can avoid, or at least push back, the need for restrictions in 2026. If we all start these actions now and keep them up through to April, we’ve got a real chance of making it six summers in a row without restrictions.”

Mr O’Connor says residents can expect plenty of reminders from January onwards as temperatures continue to rise.

Palmy will only move to compulsory outdoor water restrictions if conservation efforts aren’t enough and water supplies begin to drop to concerning levels.

The city’s main water source is the Turitea Dam, supported by several aquifer bores across the city and surrounding villages. Ashhurst, Longburn and Bunnythorpe each rely on a single bore for their water supply. Construction on the city’s newest bore, in Milson, will get underway in early 2026.

Although rain has arrived this week, the dam currently sits at 88%. A few hot, sunny days are enough to make levels drop even faster.

Mr O’Connor says that once the dam level starts to decline, smart water use becomes crucial. He acknowledges the community for playing an active role in protecting a vital resource.

“We’re in a much stronger position than many other places around the country because of good planning and access to multiple water sources. This is really about showing we value water by not wasting it. It’s about choosing to use less over summer, adopting long-term habits, and recognising water as an incredibly precious resource.”

Residents will be able to keep track of the city’s progress throughout the summer. Mr O’Connor says Council will provide regular updates across its website and social media channels. A water-use icon, similar to the Fire Service’s fire risk indicator, will also appear online and on the i-Site billboard to show how the city is tracking.

Get behind Summer Water Use today!

 We can all make easy changes to save water this summer:

• Head to our public pools at The Lido, Freyberg and Splashhurst instead of filling a pool at home. Visit the Victoria Esplanade paddling pool or the Memorial Park paddling pool, or the splashpad for free.
• If you do use your own paddling pool at home, empty the water on to your gardens rather than the lawn.
• When you’re watering the garden every second day, do it at sunrise or sunset so the water sinks into the soil rather than evaporating.
• Mulch your gardens. This prevents weeds and helps plants by retaining moisture.
• If you’re putting new plants in your garden, pick ones that are drought resistant or don’t need as much water.
• Wash your car with a bucket and sponge instead of using a sprinkler.
• Only run your dishwasher or washing machine when you have full loads.
• Turn off the tap when you are brushing your teeth.