No water crisis yet in Hamilton city

Hamilton city water supply is not in crisis despite the prolonged drought conditions - and little sign of substantial rain.

With some towns reaching desperation point - Morrinsville among them - larger centres are coping well.

City water manager Tim Harty says Hamilton city will cope with the dry conditions as long as residents remain responsible and do not waste water.

He says the national drought is impacting on everyone whether it be in towns, cities or in rural areas. Taupo is Hamilton's significant major reservoir and despite water levels being lowered, there is enough storage as long as everyone plays a part.

Asked why Hamilton and Waikato towns faced water use restrictions while Aucklanders were unaffected and could use water sprinklers on lawns and gardens, Mr Harty says it's due to Auckland's greater storage capacity in the Hunua and Waitakere ranges, coupled with a run of river take from the Waikato River.

"They can bounce between large storage lakes and the river supply."

Auckland also picked up storage capacity and civic supplies when it became a 'Super City', he says.

"Hamilton's only supply is from the river and we store enough water to cover a 24-hour emergency supply."