Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Improving drinking water quality will mean big costs

Improving drinking water quality will place big costs on local communities

29 May 2017

Local communities are likely to face significantly increased costs to meet water quality standards as a result of the Havelock North water contamination.

Water New Zealand Chief Executive John Pfahlert said many communities will struggle to meet new standards which will almost certainly result from the findings of the Havelock North inquiry.

Speaking at the Local Government New Zealand Freshwater Symposium today, he said that water quality has become an affordability issue for small and low income communities.

“Already many smaller communities do not meet the Drinking Water Standards because they cannot afford the costs of adequate water treatment.

“It’s very likely the inquiry will recommend significant regulatory changes to water supply.

“In many regions this will mean upgrading existing water treatment plants or in some cases building new plants. There will also be increased costs around treatment such as chlorine or UV treatment.

“The inquiry has identified a number of issues in relation to drinking water delivery at Havelock North that are likely to be replicated elsewhere in New Zealand. While improving this situation will likely require a national regulatory fix it seems unlikely the government will pick up the cost.

“New Zealanders expect safe drinking water but many communities will struggle to fund this against a back drop of static or falling incomes and in some areas, falling populations.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“Water New Zealand’s latest National Performance Review (2015-2016) has revealed that communities with the lowest average household incomes are those with the highest proportion of household incomes spent on drinking water, wastewater and stormwater service delivery.

“The bill for water, wastewater and stormwater cost those households more than three percent of the average income in those areas.”

A UK study has found that three water affordability risks emerge when a household spends more than three percent of disposable income on water and sewerage bills.

For more information contact CEO John Pfahlert on 021 150 9763 or Communications Advisor Debra Harrington on 027 202 8857

Water New Zealand is a national not-for-profit organisation which promotes the sustainable management and development of New Zealand’s three waters (freshwater, wastewater and storm water). Water New Zealand is the country's largest water industry body, providing leadership and support in the water sector through advocacy, collaboration and professional development. Its 1,600 members are drawn from all areas of the water management industry including regional councils and territorial authorities, consultants, suppliers, government agencies, academia and scientists.

ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.