We've put together a range of tips to help you prepare your home for drought.
From practical, low-cost steps you can take now, to a range of investment options.
Let's help get you ready
As our climate changes, Ōtautahi Christchurch and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula will face longer dry spells and more droughts.
This can feel unsettling, and it’s often hard to know what to do or where to start.
Our practical tips will help you prepare your home and property, so they’re ready for the changing conditions.
Watch the short video to get started, then scroll down for everything you need to know. Taking the right steps now can make a big difference in the future.
Easy, low-cost ways
We've put together a range of practical, low-to-no-cost solutions to help you ready your home for the impacts of drought.
Start by exploring the interactive image below for quick advice. Then scroll down for more detailed guidance to help you take the next steps.
Pick plants that need little water, especially in sunny, dry spots in your garden. Many native plants cope well. Ask your local garden centre for advice on the best options for your area.
Mulch keeps soil cool and moist, reducing how often you need to water. Light-coloured mulch reflects heat too. For fire safety, use gravel, pebbles, or crushed shells instead of bark or straw.
Add good-quality soil at least 20cm deep to help your garden hold water. Healthy, rich soil acts like a sponge, keeping plants hydrated for longer during dry spells.
Grass needs frequent watering, especially during summer. Replacing some lawn with shrubs or natives cuts water use and reduces upkeep. Natives are adapted to local conditions and can cope better in drought.
Water your garden early in the morning or later in the evening so less water evaporates, and more of it soaks into the soil where your plants need it most.
Investment solution
We've put together one key investment solution to help you ready your home for the impacts of drought. Some improvements take a little more planning and investment but can make a big difference over time.
Start by exploring the interactive image below for quick advice. Then scroll down for more detailed guidance to help you take the next steps.
Collect rainwater from your roof through gutters and downpipes and store it in a tank for use during dry spells. You can use it for watering your garden, washing your car or, with the right setup, for toilets and laundry.
There are different sizes and types of tanks available, depending on how much water you want to collect, what you want to use it for, and how much space you have:
Rain barrel
- Small, for the garden only.
- 100 to 1000 litres of storage.
Slimline tank
- Narrow, fits tight spaces.
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor water needs.
- 800 to 5000 litres of storage.
Standard tank
- Large, round, and above-ground.
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor water needs.
- 1000 to 20,000 litres of storage.
Large tank
- Often found on commercial properties and rural homes without a mains water connection.
- 20,000 to 35,000 litres of storage.
Underground tank
- Buried to save space.
- Perfect for sites with space constraints, like commercial areas, but it needs a hole to be dug.
- 2000 litres or more of storage.
Be ready
As our climate continues to change, we can expect to face more frequent extreme weather events throughout Ōtautahi Christchurch and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula.
Readying your home now for extreme weather events and climate change can make a big difference later. Find out more ways to ready your home for different types of weather events.
Flooding
With heavy rain and flooding on the rise, ready your home to prevent damage and stay dry.
High heat
Increased hotter days are ahead; now’s the time to ready your home for rising temperatures.
Strong wind
Stronger winds are becoming more frequent. Ready your home now before the next event happens.
Wildfire
Ready your home now for wildfires. Taking steps today will help you be more prepared for future events.