31 May 2010
Our local water supply goes under the spotlight on Thursday night when Waipa District Council’s water specialists host a public evening to discuss a renewal of the Te Awamutu and Pirongia resource consents.
The resource consents for both communities are due to expire on April 30 next year. In order to ensure a continuous supply of water from the current source, Council must apply to Environment Waikato for a renewal of the consents by October 30 this year.
Waipa District Council’s infrastructure engineer Jon Fields said a key part of preparing the consent applications was consultation with the community, stakeholder and tangata whenua. To help, Council was hosting an open evening on Thursday from 4pm – 7pm when staff would be on hand to any aspect of the system explained to them. The evening will be held in the Council chambers in the main Council office in Bank Street.
The current consents allow Waipa District Council to draw up to 22,700 cubic meters a day from the Maunguika stream. A third consent allows council to discharge up to 750 cubic meters a day of treated filter backwash water into the stream. The consents are all subject to conditions which are monitored by Environment Waikato.
The Council is currently conducting investigations into the hydrological aspects of the stream flows, the ecological impact on the streams and an assessment of the backwash discharge on the streams.
“We are also assessing other water source alternatives and options for the backwash discharge as part of the resource consent renewal process,” Mr Fields said. “A water conservation and demand management plan is also being prepared.”
Mr. Fields says Council would welcome anyone interested in the water supply project on Thursday night, either individuals or groups. Technical staff and advisors would be able to discuss and explain any aspects of the water supply system.
For more information, please contact:
Jeanette Tyrrell
Ph: 07 872 0097 or 027 293 8679
Email: jeanette.tyrrell@waipadc.govt.nz
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