Ashburton District Council has today upgraded the Chertsey and Mayfield water restrictions, effective immediately as high demand puts pressure on the supplies.​

Chertsey is now on a level two (alternate days, time limited) restriction while Mayfield has been raised to a level three (hand-held hosing) restriction.

Chertsey residents can only hose on their assigned days between the hours of 6pm and midnight. Those connected to the Mayfield supply must also stick to their assigned days between 6pm and midnight but can only use a hand-held hose: sprinklers and other irrigation systems are not allowed.

Council Infrastructure Services Group Manager Neil McCann says continued high demand in these schemes has forced the Council to impose tighter restrictions.

"The Chertsey supply has been experiencing low pressure issues due to the high consumption and we are also concerned about the amount of water left in the Mayfield supply, which is now at its lowest level since 2016.

"If you are connected to these supplies, please follow the restrictions so that there is enough water for everyone."

Fairton, Hakatere, Hinds, Methven, Rakaia and Mt Somers remain on a level one restriction which was imposed on Friday 11 December. This restriction limits water use from a hose, micro-spray or irrigation systems to alternate days, rather than every day.