MEDIA RELEASE

Kāpiti faring well in regional water crisis says Mayor

14 MARCH 2013

Mayor Jenny Rowan has congratulated Kāpiti residents for responding to water restrictions by ‘significantly’ reducing consumption. Even so, as the big dry continues, from tomorrow the district’s water supply will be supplemented with 10% bore water.

The blended supply will take about two days to reach most customers and, because the highest quality bore water is being used, there is not expected to be a discernable taste difference.

Mayor Rowan says the water crisis facing the Wellington region is serious and a reminder why Council has made a long term water supply solution for Kāpiti a priority.

“We know all about water shortages in this district. That’s why Council has worked very hard to future-proof Kāpiti’s water supply and make the district self-sufficient. We’ve done this by developing a river recharge project using a significant bore field beneath Waikanae to top up the river (a resource consent application is currently before Greater wellington). We’ve bought land for a future dam, we require new homes to have rain water tanks and grey water systems and we’ve introduced water meters which will lead to a change in the way people use treated water.

Mayor Rowan, says water meters are also uncovering significant water leaks.

“We’ve already detected more than 350 leaks on private property amounting to potential savings of more than 1.8m litres per day. That’s like loosing three Ōtaki swimming pools worth of water every day.”
Mayor Rowan says whilst there is always some public reaction to the use of bore water, the district is fortunate to have this option.

“We are lucky to have these natural resources to get us through this dry patch but people still need to keep up their water conservation behaviour.

It was announced today that a total ban on outdoor water use is about to be enforced across Wellington, the Hutt Valley and Porirua as water shortages become critical. Councils are planning to turn off irrigation systems for sports fields, which may affect their readiness for winter sport.

Council sports fields in Kapiti are irrigated with bore water so are not facing the same plight.

“Whilst I feel concerned for the wider region, I am proud that this Council has pressed ahead with strategies that have made us independent when it comes to our most precious commodity, says Mayor Rowan.”

ENDS

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