Water

A Kiwi Homeowner’s Guide to Water

Water. It’s everywhere, and yet, we don’t always think about it until something goes wrong—like a dodgy mains connection, sky-high water bills, or weird-tasting tap water. So, let’s break it down.

Where Your Water Comes From

If you’re in a city like Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, your water most likely comes from a municipal supply managed by your local council. It’s treated and piped straight to your home. But if you’re in a rural area, chances are you rely on tank water, bore water, or even a local stream.

Want to find out exactly where your tap water comes from? Check your local council’s website. Here are a few useful links:

Is Your Tap Water Safe?

Good news—most town water in New Zealand is treated to meet safety standards. But sometimes, it can have a chlorine taste or pick up contaminants from pipes. If you’re on tank or bore water, you need to be extra careful. Bacteria, heavy metals, and farm runoff can sneak in.

Here’s what you can do:

Check your council’s water quality reports (most have them online).
If you’re on tank water, clean your tank regularly—leaves, dirt, and even the occasional dead bird end up in there.
Consider a water filter—especially if you notice odd tastes or smells. You can find good options at places like Mitre 10 and Bunnings, or look into specialists like Puretec.

Dealing with Water Restrictions

If you’ve lived in New Zealand for a while, you’ve probably dealt with water restrictions—especially in summer. Councils bring them in when water levels get low, and that means cutting back on sprinklers, hosing the driveway, or even limiting shower times.

How do you stay ahead of it?

Install a rainwater tank—even a small one can help with garden watering. Places like The Tank Guy sell them in all sizes.
Use efficient watering methods—drip irrigation and mulching save heaps of water.
Keep an eye on local restrictions—check your council’s website so you don’t get caught out.

Hard Water vs. Soft Water

Ever noticed your soap doesn’t lather well or your kettle gets a chalky build-up? That’s because some parts of New Zealand have “hard” water—water with more minerals like calcium and magnesium. Christchurch, for example, has hard water straight from aquifers, while parts of Auckland have softer water.

If you’re dealing with hard water, here’s what helps:

Use a water softener—available from places like Water Filters NZ.
Clean appliances regularly—a vinegar rinse in your kettle works wonders.
Try a different detergent—some work better in hard water.

Saving Money on Water Bills

If you’re in Auckland, you’re paying for every litre of water you use (thanks, Watercare). In other cities, water costs might be lumped into your rates. Either way, cutting down your water use means savings.

Easy ways to lower your bill:

Fix leaks ASAP—a dripping tap can waste thousands of litres a year.
Switch to low-flow showerheads and toilets—they cut down usage without making a difference to comfort.
Be smarter with laundry and dishwashing—only run full loads.

Should You Drink Rainwater?

Plenty of Kiwis do, especially in rural areas, but it’s not as clean as it looks. Roof catchment gets dirt, bird droppings, and pollutants. If you’re relying on rainwater, you should definitely filter it. A UV purification system is a solid option—companies like UV Guard NZ offer good solutions.

Final Thoughts

Water is one of those things you don’t notice until there’s an issue, but a little maintenance and planning can save you headaches (and money). Clean your tank, check for leaks, and filter if needed. Simple as that.

Got any water worries or tips? Share them in the comments—let’s help each other out!