Christchurch has one of the highest quality natural water supplies of any city in the world.

Our water is purified naturally in underground aquifers and is not treated chemically.

But as the city grows and demand for water increases, we are reaching the stage where we could be using more than is available.

Eric van Toor, a Council City Water and Waste Planner says that if, through drawing too much off, we reduce the level and pressure of water in the aquifer, contaminated water could take its place. Christchurch would then need to bring in water which would be less pure, and costly for ratepayers.

This is International Year of Fresh Water and, according to the World Health Organisation, less than 1 per cent of the world’s fresh water is readily available for human consumption. So Christchurch is fortunate, but its water supply can’t be taken for granted.

“Here in Christchurch we have fantastic water, on tap,” says Mr van Toor. “But it won’t always be that way, unless we look after it.”

Most people have little idea of how much water they use or where it goes. Outdoor use, for example, tends to be much higher than we think — 25% of all household water is used outside the house. On average, over summer each Christchurch household puts 1000 litres of water on their garden.

There are many ways to reduce the amount of water we use outdoors, including:

• Make sure outside taps are turned off when not in use, and check regularly for leaks.
• Use a broom or rake instead of the hose for cleaning paths, patios or driveways.
• Use a bucket of water to clean the car.
• Water the garden only when necessary and on calm days, during the evening or early morning, and especially not during nor’westers.
• Avoid over-watering. If run-off occurs, stop watering immediately.
• Cover exposed soil around plants with a mulch, straw or grass clippings.
• Water to suit your property. On level ground, deep penetration through soaking is best, whereas on slopes and hilly areas, in the shade or where the soil is sandy, several light sprinklings are more effective.
• Design your garden layout and planting to minimise water use.
• Water by hand and use dripper-type systems rather than moveable sprinklers.

• For more information, see www.ccc.govt.nz/waterwise