New water rules costly in Waimakariri
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
New drinking water rules are creating a headache for council staff.
The Waimakariri District Council approved additional funding at last week’s council meeting to allow staff to conduct more water testing of the district’s water supplies.
This was in response to the new Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules, released by water authority Taumata Arowai in May.
Water asset manager Colin Roxburgh said the required testing would cost around $286,510 for the 2022023 financial year, compared to the budgeted amount of $204,510.
The new rules take effect on November 14.
‘‘Previously the focus was on E. coli, but the new rules have a much wider range,’’ Roxburgh said.
The new rules meant all water must be treated for bacteria, either by ultra violet (UV) treatment or chlorine disinfection at the treatment plant.
Depending on the water source, testing and treatment for protozoa, iron, manganese, colour, nitrates and plumbosolvent metals may be required.
Roxburgh estimated the cost of water testing for the 2023-24 financial year would be about $350,000, which would be considered as part of the annual plan process.
He recommended the extra costs be distributed evenly across the district.
After some discussion, councillors accepted the need for the extra testing.
‘‘Unfortunately the bar has been raised so we have to do it,’’ Councillor Philip Redmond said.
‘‘It means consumers are all going to benefit from the improved water quality.’’
Councillor Paul Williams said it was ‘‘good and bad’’.
‘‘It is good that there will be more testing and monitoring, but the bad is the extra cost and considering we haven’t had any issues in the past.’’
Mayor Dan Gordon said Taumata Arowai staff were due to visit the district in late October or early November to discuss how the new rules would impact on the district.
■ Repairs from the July rain events will now cost $3.82 million, an increase on the $3.15m indicated at the September meeting.
Roading manager Joanne McBride said staff were continuing to work through co-funding arrangements with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
It was estimated roading repairs would cost $1.94m, with the Waka Kotahi share expected to be close to $1m, with the remaining balance loan funded.
Deputy Mayor Neville Atkinson said Kaiapoi was once again faced with an ‘‘unfair burden’’ as the ‘‘receiving area’’ for flood waters, so the council needed to rethink how costs were shared across the district.
■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
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Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.5% Yes
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14.8% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.