Whakatāne District Council manage and maintain the water network that supplies water to homes and businesses in most parts of the Whakatāne District.
On average residents use around 5.79 million cubic metres of water each year. The Council manage nine water treatment plants and maintain, upgrade and renew the water network. The network across the district includes 544 km of pipes, 17 pump stations, 42 reservoirs and 12,615 water connections.
Water restrictions
The Council do not enforce all-year-round water restrictions on sprinklers and garden hoses throughout the district, but we always encourage prudent use and water conservation.
For the Whakatāne and Ōhope regions there are often water restrictions over the summer period. More details will be added to this webpage as these are confirmed for 2025. Water restriction FAQs are listed below for when a restriction is in place.
Current status for Whakatāne and Ōhope: Normal. Currently no restrictions in place.
Water conservation tips
When it comes to conserving water, every drop counts and water is precious - a dripping tap can waste up to 90 litres of water a day.
Here are some easy things you can do to help conserve our water:
- Turn taps off while you shave and/or brush your teeth
- Cut your showers short, reduce the amount of time in the shower or use a shower timer to monitor
- "If it's yellow, let it mellow", this tip might not be for everyone, but the toilet is one of the most water-intensive fixtures in the house. Do you need to flush every time?
- Turn your taps off properly and repair dripping taps
- Fix your leaks, when a leak is noticeable make arrangements to fix as soon as possible
- Run your dishwasher only when it's full
- Store drinking water in the fridge instead of running the tap cold
- Wash your car on the grass and use a bucket rather than a hose
- Install a rainwater tank connected to your spouting for all your garden needs
Fixing leaks
We're serious about saving water and we actively look for leaks within the network, we respond to about 1000 calls annually to fix leaks and other water problems.
Leaks are everybody's responsibility. If you see water leaking from a hydrant, a 'toby' (your main water shut off valve), or anywhere else, please contact our customer services team on 07 306 0500 or fill out a Fix-it Request Form online.
If a leak is in a public roadway or berm then generally fixing it is our responsibility. If you are in a shared situation and a leak is discovered, then it is up to you to resolve. Multiple property owners will need to come to their own agreement or arrangement for repairs and payment of costs for private pipework.
Watering your garden
Whakatāne's highest water use happens in summer when more water is used outside, particularly on gardens. We encourage watering gardens during cooler times of the day.
The following tips will help make water go farther:
- Check soil moisture. If your soil is moist 10 centimetres below the surface, you don't need to water.
- Water in cool, settled weather. Water your garden on calmer days, in the cool of early morning, or the evening.
- Aim low and slow. Water close to the ground at a rate the soil can absorb.
- Hand water by hose or watering can as established plants need minimum watering of once or twice a week in dry weather.
- Use mulch. Mulch protects your soil from the drying effects of wind and sun, and it can cut evaporation by 70 percent.
Drinking water precautions (Plumbosolvency)
Plumbosolvent waters can dissolve very small amounts of metals if they come into contact with them. This can result in small amounts of heavy metals entering the water. In New Zealand, the heavy metals found in drinking water are lead, nickel, cadmium, copper and antimony.
All waters are plumbosolvent to some extent, but soft, slightly acidic waters dissolve metals such as lead from plumbing fittings. Flushing your taps helps to remove these metals.
The Ministry of Health recommends you flush a cup of water from your drinking water taps each morning. Although the health risk is small, all households should follow this simple precaution.
FAQs if there is a water restriction in place
Current status for Whakatāne and Ōhope: Normal. Currently no restrictions in place.
- Why are there restrictions in place?
Water restrictions have been introduced due to critically low flows in the Whakatāne River, which are allowing saltwater to move upstream. This is reducing the amount of water the Whakatāne treatment plant can process, making conservation essential to maintaining supply.
During a water restriction, the Council undertakes an emergency upriver intake to access water further upstream. However, this is only a partial solution, and without significant rainfall, further conservation is necessary to maintain supply.
- What does a water restriction mean?
- No washing of vehicles, boats, or buildings.
- No sprinkler use
- Garden watering is allowed for a maximum of 20 minutes, only on alternate days using a hand-held hose:
- Even-numbered addresses may water on even calendar days
- Odd-numbered addresses may water on odd calendar days
- How long do restrictions stay in place?
The restrictions will remain in place until further notice and will only be lifted when sufficient rainfall restores river flows.
- How can I help conserve water?
- Do not wash vehicles, boats and buildings
- Don’t refill or top up swimming pools
- Fix leaking taps and pipes immediately
- Report any leaking water lines to the Council
- Flush toilets only if necessary
- Take shorter showers and avoid using the bath
- Capture unused water (e.g., while waiting for hot water) and reuse it for cleaning or watering plants
- Will businesses be affected by the restrictions?
Yes, businesses are expected to follow the same water-use restrictions as residents. Essential water use for operations is allowed, but all non-essential use should be reduced.
The Council will be following the same water-use restrictions as residents. Essential water use for operations is allowed, but all non-essential use should be reduced. For example, the Boat Wash on Muriwai Drive will be temporarily closed.
- Where can I get updates on the situation?
Updates will be provided through:
- This web page
- The Council's Facebook page
- Community signage
- Local media