$1.2m water scheme boost

Waimate ratepayers will have better drinking water and a more reliable supply, thanks to a $1.2 million boost towards upgrading three rural water schemes.

The money will go towards improving the Otaio-Makikihi, Lower Waihao and Hook-Waituna water schemes via setting up two new bores, a new intake gallery and pumping, treatment and control equipment.

The Waimate District Council received the grant from the Ministry of Health's capital assistance programme (CAP) to help it meet new government drinking water standards.

Government funding will meet between 60 per cent to 70 per cent of the total costs of the upgrade work, with water users in the affected areas contributing as well through targeted rates.

Waimate Mayor John Coles was "thrilled" with the news and said the funding would let the council make the necessary improvements at a more reasonable cost to the ratepayer.

"With increasingly low river flows, it is very difficult to treat water quality issues such as algal bloom. By far the safest water source is from deep bores. There is no doubt in my mind that the requirements for drinking water standards will continue to rise in the future, which makes these projects very timely."

Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean said she was "very pleased" the Waimate District was successful in securing funding.

Three other district schemes – Waikakahi, Waihaorunga and Cannington – will miss out on CAP funding due to eligibility criteria changes brought in by the National Government.

However, the council's water and waste manager Mike McTigue said it might be possible to make improvements to these areas' water supplies by integrating Waikakahi and Waihaorunga rural water schemes with the Lower Waihao work.

The council was looking at the Waikakahi intake being replaced in co-operation with Meridian Energy as plans for its proposed North Bank Tunnel Project could affect the current intake.

The council's Hakataramea-Waihaorunga ward representative, Peter McIlraith, said there was a possibility a new intake could be developed as part of Meridian's undertaking to carry out mitigating work where necessary as part of the proposed tunnel project.

- © Fairfax NZ News