There are no current water restrictions in place for Christchurch
The Council lifted all water restrictions for Christchurch, Lyttelton and Akaroa on 2 April, 2012.
Although restrictions have been lifted, the Council urges the public to continue to water wisely while Christchurch's water supply network is being repaired.
The information below is in relation to previous restrictions but may be helpful in aiding you to keep our water supply sustainable.
Background to the water restrictions over the 2011/2012 summer period
Water restriction for Christchurch started on 8 October 2011 and ended on 2 April 2012.
Christchurch’s water supply systems were badly damaged during the 4 September, 22 February and 13 June earthquakes and water restrictions were imposed for the city for the first time since the drought of 1998.
The infrastructure required to pump water around the city on a peak-demand summer day, has been severely damaged by earthquakes over the last 12 months. We needed to reduce the outdoor water consumption across the city this summer, as the damaged water infrastructure couldn't support that level of demand over the summer months.
How are we doing? View latest water consumption graphs
Water restrictions Frequently Asked Questions
Water saving tips
Waterwise workshop video - useful advice on how to minimise water usage in your garden over summer.
Report a leak - please choose Water as the type of service.
Water restrictions guide
Restriction Level | Water Conservation Method | Notes |
| Level 1 Alternative day watering | Use of hoses, sprinklers and garden irrigation systems is permitted on alternative days. - Even numbered properties on even days. - Odd numbered properties on odd days. | -The water supply is expected to start to come under pressure. |
| Level 2 Hand held hosing only | Hand-held hoses may be used at any time. Unattended hoses, sprinklers, and garden irrigation systems are not permitted at any time. | -The water supply is under considerable pressure. -Imposed when there is a water shortage and considerable water savings are required. -Often imposed during peak demand periods |
| Level 3 Alternate day hand-held hosing only | Hand-held hoses may be used on alternative days. - Even numbered properties - hand-held watering only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. - Odd numbered properties - hand-held watering only on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Unattended hoses, sprinklers, and garden irrigation systems are not permitted at any time. | -The water supply is under extreme pressure. -Imposed when previous restrictions have not resulted in sufficient reduction in water use, and/or when a significant increase in demand is predicted. -Often passed-by, with restrictions moving directly from Level 2 to Level 4. |
| Level 4 Total hosing ban | All use of water outside the house must cease. Hand held hoses, unattended hoses, sprinklers, and garden irrigation systems are not permitted at any time. | -The water supply level is critical. |
Sustainable water supply
Designing projects to enhance our environmental and social sustainability, such as protecting our artesian resources and maintaining the quality of streams and rivers, are key objectives of our water strategy.
We aim to look after our community’s health and well-being through a wastewater system that meets our people's needs now and into the future.
To help preserve our future source of water we have initiated campaigns on sustainable living within the community, like becoming Waterwise in the home, and provide education resources for sustainability and reducing waste.
Contact us
City Water and Waste
Phone: (03) 941 8999
Email: info@ccc.govt.nz
