Waiheke Island - sourcing and
conserving water
Auckland Civil Defence would like to assure residents of Waiheke Island
that there is no immediate shortage of water on the island and the situation
is being closely monitored. The abnormally dry summer can impact the
water table and it becomes prudent to be informed of ways to source and
conserve water on the island.
There are three commercial water suppliers on the island who will continue to prioritise
deliveries for households who are genuinely out of water. Auckland Civil Defence is continuing
to keep in close contact with the commercial water suppliers and key stakeholders on Waiheke
Island. Civil Defence would like to urge residents not to hit the panic button and place orders
with suppliers unless they really need to. There are a few other ways as below that residents
can access and conserve water on the island.
Onetangi Sports park showers remain available for public use with continued monitoring of
the bore water levels to ensure they are not placing undue pressure on the long-term supply.
The water taps at this facility and at all the councils local parks are not suitable for drinking.
Onetangi Sports park is open between 7am and 10pm daily.
The remaining public facilities of toilets, showers and external taps totaling approximately
16 are supplied by Council/Downers who get their supply from the three commercial water
companies on Waiheke. The public facilities have signage advising the water is not suitable for
drinking so the normal procedures for water disinfectant for drinking needs to be adhered to.
Check your tank regularly. If your tank is dry, your water company may be able to help
in an emergency. Do not order with all the companies. Shop around the suppliers as they
have differing delivery time frames, then choose one. If you have ordered with more than
one company remember to cancel the second order to avoid a service attending which is no
longer required. Be mindful about obtaining water from a source other than a registered water
company as there could be health risks.
Water suppliers contact:
Only Water
09 372 3077 or 8977
Waiheke Aqua
09 372 3080
Wai Water/Waiheke Water 09 372 2021 or www.waiwater.co.nz
Retailers on the island stock civil defence related items such as second tanks, water level
gauges etc. Get in touch with them for items and ideas on how to keep on top of storage and
monitoring water in your tanks.
Water conservation
• take short showers instead of deep baths
• turn the tap off while brushing your teeth
• if you have concerns about your tank water then buy bottled water from the supermarket/
store for drinking, cooking and dental hygiene
• check for leaking taps or pipes
• use recycled water for your garden. Collect water from your shower. Catch water from your
washing machines last cycle
• use mulch on your garden to aid water retention
• wait until you have a full load before using the washing machine
• use the ½ flush function on your toilet
• when waiting for running water to warm up in the kitchen or bathroom collect it and put it
in the fridge or use it to water the garden
• use a broom to sweep driveways or an airblower
• use grey water to clean your car
• rinse dishes in a plugged sink rather than a running tap
• regulate sprinkler usage, e.g. council has reviewed the watering regime on its sports fields
and is dropping back from daily to weekly watering.
Disinfect unsafe water
If you are unsure about the quality and safety of your drinking water supply, you can disinfect
the supply by:
• adding chlorine; half a teaspoon of household bleach added to 10 litres of water kills most
germs but some parasites will be resistant to chlorine disinfection
• boiling the water for one minute; boiling is the simplest and the most effective
method that will reliably kill Cryptosporidium parasites
• using an approved filter or purifier designed for roof water.
It is important your water conservation methods do not impact on your
health. We have attached the Ministry of Health guideline on staying
healthy while saving water.