The capital city of New Zealand, Wellington, is unable to provide enough water to meet demand, meaning water restrictions during the upcoming summer are almost inevitable.
A report by Wellington Water told local councils that due to limited funding, it was unable to sufficiently maintain its aging water infrastructure, with many assets already beyond the nominal end-of-life.
The region has seen ongoing issues with leaking pipes and overflowing sewage, and Wellington Water is constantly flooded with incident requests.
“It is now probable that more severe water use restrictions, including total residential outdoor water use bans, and potentially restrictions, on internal usage within private properties, will be required this summer and in the following years until major investments are completed,” Wellington Water wrote in its report (pdf)….