Public invited to briefings on water supply

Members of the public are invited to a “catch-up” briefing on water options under investigation for the Paraparaumu/Raumati/Waikanae catchment.

“This is an excellent opportunity for residents to get up to speed on the six in-catchment options currently under study,” said Mayor Jenny Rowan.

The first briefing will be held at 7pm on Thursday May 20 at the Waikanae Memorial Hall. The second briefing (for those that can’t make the first), will be held between 2pm and 5pm on Saturday May 22 at the Paraparaumu Community Centre in Ngahina Street.

“I urge as many people to come along as possible. I know many are very busy, but water supply and water quality is extremely important. We all have a stake in this issue.”

A team from Beca consultants has been investigating six in-catchment options – dams on the lower Maungakotukutuku, Kapakapanui, and Ngatiawa, aquifer storage and recovery, extended borefield and storage, and river re-charge with groundwater.

“Ecological assessment work has been undertaken around the dam sites and drilling to assess rock structures is currently underway at Kapakapanui this week, with drilling to follow shortly at Maungakotukutuku.

“Testing of existing bores to understand aquifer yields is underway, and the consultants are also checking water treatment processes to establish what water quality can be achieved from underground water sources.”

The results of the work undertaken so far suggest that a possible way forward may involve a combination of two or more of the above.

“It is early days yet, but the consultants have alerted Council that a solution may, and I emphasise may include a combination of two or more of the six options. For example, dams are expensive to build, but you may be able to build a smaller dam if combined with aquifer storage and recovery.”

Residents had made clear that the quality of water and long-term security of supply was paramount. “A great deal of effort is going into securing our water supply for the next 50 years. The briefings to be held on May 20 and May 22 will provide a chance for residents to up-date themselves on where the project is at.

“Water is precious. We all have a vested interest in its capture, supply and cost so you will be most welcome at the briefings.”