MEDIA RELEASE

Friday, March 22, 2013

World Water Day – time to think about future use

The Community and Public Health Division of Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) wants people to use today’s World Water Day to think about water usage and how we can sustain it for future generations.

The CDHB’s Community and Public Health carries out vital functions to ensure that water quality in both the natural and built environments contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of the people of Canterbury. This work is carried out through the work of our Health Protection Officers and Drinking Water Assessors and the CDHB’s joint work plan with Environment Canterbury.

Dr Alistair Humphrey, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says climate change is an important issue in planning for water use in the future.

“Experts predict Canterbury will become wetter in the west and drier in the east, with an increase in the number of days where temperatures exceed 25 degrees,” Dr Humphrey says.

“This will create issues for water supplies that need to be addressed and incorporated into planning. The CDHB continues to encourage this through its environment team and the Drinking Water Assessment Unit.”

Dr Alistair Humphrey says while this year’s summer has been described as one of the best in years it also comes as a reminder to everyone about climate change and how important water is to us all.

“Rain across the country this week has been a welcome reprieve after a long hot summer brought drought to the North and Canterbury close to it – making this year’s World Water Day one to really think about,” Dr Humphrey says.

The (CDHB) has also been active in its support of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy and has developed a Position Statement, which includes recognition that drinking water quality is fundamental to sustaining the health of present and future generations.

“Environment Canterbury, in conjunction with local authorities, is implementing the Canterbury Water Management Strategy to more effectively manage our region’s water resources.”

Dr Humphrey says the increasing demands on water in Canterbury places pressure on water quality can only be addressed by co operation between all interested parties, which is the theme of World Water Day this year.

Over the past year CDHB has participated in a wide range of issues including:
• Submissions to the Land and Regional Water Plan
• Participation in Canterbury Water Management Strategy zone limit setting meetings
• Grading of water supplies
• Recreational water – advising the public via media releases on the non compliances of waterways from a microbiological quality and perspective as well as the presence of algal blooms.
• Approving Public health risk management plans for drinking water supplies

Fun Things to Do for World Water Day
World Water Week 2013 Calendar http://www.unwater.org/fileadmin/user_upload/watercooperation2013/Campaigm_mtrl/2013cal.pdf
Print you own water week T shirt design http://www.unwater.org/fileadmin/user_upload/watercooperation2013/Campaigm_mtrl/instructions.pdf
Download the Water week poster http://www.unwater.org/fileadmin/user_upload/watercooperation2013/doc/USGS_FAO_WaterCycle.jpg

ends

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