Council has lifted water restrictions for households and businesses connected to its community supplies around the district.

Group Manager of Infrastructure Neil McCann said drinking water consumption had declined on Council’s community supplies over the past few weeks because of cooler temperatures and consistent rain.

“We see more rain in the forecast too, so the restrictions were reviewed today and lifted.”

The district had been on Level 2 restrictions – these didn't apply to essential use, such as drinking, cooking and showering, but watering the lawn or garden was restricted to hoses, sprinklers, or irrigation systems between 6pm and midnight on alternate days.

Mr McCann said Council was still keeping a close eye on consumption at all its water treatment plants, and would review the situation if conditions changed significantly.

“While demand has dropped, we encourage residents to maintain those good watering habits.”

The restrictions were designed to help maintain water pressure and service levels during peak demand and keep Ashburton under the 25,000 cubic metre daily water take limit specified within our resource consent.