July 28, 2008

MEDIA STATEMENT

Changes to River Report phone line

The Canterbury River Report 24 hour info phone line, administered by Environment Canterbury, is changing to an 0900 number.

“The old river report phone line, which has helped people get updated information on floods, river flows and irrigation restrictions for the past 12 years, is based on old software and equipment that can no longer be reliably maintained,” said Ken Taylor, ECan director of investigating and monitoring. “The new line, 0900 74837 (RIVER) which becomes active on August 1, will provide reliable software support.

“We know that this phone line is an important resource for river users - fishermen, trampers, hunters, commercial operators, farmers who might need to move stock. It needs to be reliable at all times.”

The old line cost 12 cents per minute while the new line is now 50 cents per minute. The new rate covers Telecom’s costs. Environment Canterbury does not benefit financially from the river and flood phone service.

The old line - 083 225522 - will have a new message placed on August 1 informing users of the change. The old number will still be active only for flood alerts until November this year.

For people who are able to access a website, the river, rainfall, flood and irrigation information, recorded on the phone service twice daily and more during floods, is available via the Environment Canterbury website at www.ecan.govt.nz/riverreport

There is also a text messaging service for river information, see also www.ecan.govt.nz/riverreport

Stickers and other information on the River Report 24 hour phone line are available on request, contact 0800 EC INFO (324-636).

ENDS

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