Below are restrictions for businesses during water restrictions. View residential restrictions.

Stage 1

Conserve water wherever possible for all activities. Restrictions in effect on outdoor water use.

All business activities (incl contractor use of hydrants)

Conserve water wherever possible.

Outdoor washing (vehicle and container washing, outdoor surfaces and windows)

Outdoor washing permitted when using a hand-held hose equipped with a trigger nozzle, high-pressure cleaning unit or bucket.

Grass area and lawns

Watering grass or lawns is permitted on alternate days.

Amenity planting (flower beds, planters, shrubs, trees, under verandah, hanging baskets)

Watering permitted when using a hand-held hose equipped with a trigger nozzle, time-limited watering system (automatic, spray or dripper), or a bucket/watering can. Watering protected trees listed in the District Plan is permitted using this watering method.

Pools, spas, water features and water play activities

• Filling a pool, spa or water feature is prohibited.
• Topping up a pool, spa or water feature is permitted.
• Using water for water play activities is permitted.

Stage 2

Conserve water wherever possible for all activities. Restrictions in effect on outdoor water use.

All business activities (incl contractor use of hydrants)

Conserve water wherever possible.

Outdoor washing (vehicle and container washing, outdoor surfaces and windows)

Outdoor washing permitted when using a hand-held hose equipped with a trigger nozzle, high-pressure cleaning unit or bucket.

Grass area and lawns

Watering grass or lawns is prohibited.

Amenity planting (flower beds, planters, shrubs, trees, under verandah, hanging baskets)

Watering permitted when using a hand held hose equipped with a trigger nozzle, time limited watering system (automatic, spray or dripper), or a bucket/watering can. Watering protected trees listed in the District Plan is permitted using this watering method.

Pools, spas, water features and water play activities

• Filling a pool, spa or water feature is prohibited.
• Topping up a pool, spa or water feature is permitted.
• Using water for water play activities is permitted.

Stage 3

Restrictions in effect on all water use. Water conservation is essential.

All business activities (incl contractor use of hydrants)

Reduce usage by 10% - 30% of the baseline as notified by the Council.

Outdoor washing (vehicle and container washing, outdoor surfaces and windows)

Washing vehicles is permitted when using recycled grey water only. Washing outdoor surfaces is permitted for safety reasons using a bucket only.

Grass area and lawns

Watering grass or lawns is prohibited.

Amenity planting (flower beds, planters, shrubs, trees, under verandah, hanging baskets)

Watering permitted on alternate days when using a hand held hose equipped with a trigger nozzle, time limited watering system (automatic, spray or dripper), or a bucket/watering can. Watering protected trees listed in the District Plan is permitted using this watering method.

Stage 4

Restrictions in effect on all water use. Water conservation is essential.

All business activities (incl contractor use of hydrants)

Reduce usage by 31% - 50% of the baseline as notified by Council.

Outdoor washing (vehicle and container washing, outdoor surfaces and windows)

Washing vehicles is permitted when using recycled grey water only. Washing outdoor surfaces is permitted for safety reasons using a bucket only.

Grass area and lawns

Watering grass or lawns is prohibited.

Amenity planting (flower beds, planters, shrubs, trees, under verandah, hanging baskets)

Watering all amenity plants and trees is prohibited; except for protected trees listed in the District Plan. Watering protected trees is permitted on alternate days using a hand-held hose equipped with a trigger nozzle, time-limited watering systems (automatic, spray or dripper) or a bucket/watering can.

Pools, spas, water features and water play activities

All water use for pools, spas, water features and water play activities is prohibited.

Stage 5

Emergency: water use only permitted for human drinking, sanitation, medical, health and safety, firefighting and livestock purposes.

All business activities (incl contractor use of hydrants)

All water use is prohibited except for human drinking water, sanitation, medical, health and safety, firefighting and livestock purposes. 

Outdoor washing (vehicle and container washing, outdoor surfaces and windows)

All outdoor washing activities is prohibited except where cleaning is required for health and safety reasons, or other emergency.

Grass area and lawns

Watering grass or lawns is prohibited.

Amenity planting (flower beds, planters, shrubs, trees, under verandah, hanging baskets)

Watering prohibited. 

Pools, spas, water features and water play activities

All water use for pools, spas, water features and water play activities is prohibited.

Stage 6

All water use prohibited except for human drinking water, sanitation, medical, health and safety and firefighting purposes. Water supply only from nominated key supply points. Use of water for livestock purposes is prohibited.

All water use prohibited except for human drinking water, sanitation, medical, health and safety and firefighting purposes. Water supply only from nominated key supply points. Use of water for livestock purposes is prohibited.