The Taupō District Council has implemented Level 1 water restrictions in response to increased pressure on water infrastructure, despite the region's namesake lake containing plenty of water.
The restrictions, affecting Taupō, Kinloch, Wairākei and Waitahanui, come as the district's water treatment and pumping capacity faces strain from the seasonal influx of visitors.
"While we all love and treasure our amazing Lake Taupō, when it comes to supplying water to everyone it's not about how much water is in the lake. It's about how much water has to be pumped and treated everyday to keep up with demand," the council explained.
Under the new restrictions, residents must follow an alternate-day sprinkler system based on their street address. Properties with even-numbered addresses can use sprinklers on even calendar days, while odd-numbered addresses are permitted on odd days. Hand-held hoses remain unrestricted.
The timing of the restrictions highlights the growing infrastructure challenges faced by popular tourist destinations, where seasonal population surges can significantly impact essential services. While the district hasn't experienced extreme heat this summer, the combination of minimal rainfall and increased visitor numbers has necessitated these preventative measures.
The restrictions currently apply only to select areas, but the council is encouraging all district residents to be mindful of their water usage during the peak summer period.