Options being assessed for Clutha District’s rural water schemes

An assessment of Clutha District’s rural water supplies is underway, looking at how the schemes could operate in the future.

Council and the rural water schemes working party are working with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and an independent assessment, funded by the DIA, is being undertaken by Morrison Low. The assessment will look at the benefits, costs and risks of customer-ownership versus water services entity ownership and operation.

Under the Government’s Three Waters Reform Programme all council-owned and operated drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services will be transferred to four new water services entities on 1 July 2024. After this date, councils will no longer have direct roles in managing and operating three water services.

Clutha District has 11 rural water schemes that provide water for farm use and domestic consumption.

A number of townships in the district are connected to these schemes, including Kaka Point, Waihola, Clinton, Tokoiti, Tuapeka Mouth, Waitahuna, Heriot, Pukerau and Waikaka.

Over the next few months, work will include discussions between Council, DIA, farmers, scheme chairs and contractors to ensure the work is factual and practical.

Results of the work will be made publicly available and will help to determine whether an owner operated scheme is a viable option. The assessment will also inform three waters legislation to be fully enacted in mid-2023.

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Go to: www.cluthadc.govt.nz/rural-water-future

Or call: 0800 801 350