1st February 2008

Greens welcome Kapiti's water wisdom

The Green Party is welcoming Katipi District Council's new bylaws that come into force today requiring new buildings to have a rainwater tank and an effective grey water treatment system.

"New Zealanders have always taken clean and abundant water for granted. This is no longer possible. Access to clean freshwater is a growing issue nationally and internationally," Green Party Environment Spokesperson Nandor Tanczos says.

"Requiring rainwater tanks on new buildings is a very welcome step towards water efficiency.

"The benefits of rainwater tanks are twofold. They reduce demand on water supplies in the face of urban growth. Secondly, they reduce the pressure on stormwater infrastructure, by catching and storing what would otherwise be waste".

"A requirement to treat grey water separately from sewerage is also a massive step forward.

"Relying on builders and developers to do this voluntarily just won't work. These bylaws will have a huge positive effect on home owners and ratepayers," Nandor says.

"It would be great to see this kind of leadership coming from the Government. In the meantime, this is a fantastic move by Kapiti District Council and one that other councils should be emulating".

ENDS

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