Tauranga City Council is offering four free workshops on the benefits of harvesting rainwater and how to choose a suitable rainwater tank for your needs.

Two workshops will take place this month, and two next month – and are part of council's Tauranga Water Conservation Project that aims to empower each of us to think differently about water use and be more mindful around how we use our share of the city's water supply.

TCC water services manager Peter Bahrs says during the past five years we have experienced record dry weather and more recently, unprecedented wet weather – and these changing climatic conditions can put pressure on Tauranga's water supply.

'In Tauranga our water is drawn from three spring-fed streams. During periods of hot, dry weather the aquifers that supply our streams do not recharge at the same rate that we are taking water.

'During heavy rain events demand for water eases, however it brings challenges in our ability to treat water due to the extra sediment stirred up. Whatever the weather, good water conservation practices are needed.”

Collecting rainwater gives people access to an alternative water source and can help reduce the demand on our drinking water supply network, says Peter.

'It can also provide a great source for outdoor water use such as gardening, irrigation or washing your car.”

Rainwater tanks also reduce the amount of stormwater runoff from surfaces such as roofs, roads and carparks that drain into our urban waterways, says Peter.

'By using a rainwater tank to collect water, you can save money on your water bill, reduce demand on the city's water supply and have an alternate water supply during water shortages.

'Small changes in water use can make a big difference in maintaining a sustainable water supply to the city now, and into the future. We need to make every drop count.”

The free rainwater harvesting workshops will be held on: Thursday May 18 from 6.30pm-8.30pm; Saturday, May 20 from 1pm-3pm; Wednesday, June 7 from 6pm-8pm; and Sunday June 11 from 12pm-2pm.

All workshops will be held at Envirohub Bay of Plenty, 31b Glasgow Street, Tauranga, with a limit of 20 people per workshop. To book, visit: www.tauranga.govt.nz/rainwatertanks.

Other initiatives under the Tauranga Water Conservation project include a free home water conservation audit and a free low-flow shower head upgrade.