Consumers on the PALMERSTON, DUNBACK AND GOODWOOD Zones of the WAIHEMO WATER SUPPLY are asked to CONSERVE WATER until further notice.
Published on 11 December 2024
The future of Waitaki’s water services will be put to public consultation if recommendations are adopted by the Council’s Governance Team next week.
With the cancellation of the previous Government’s Three Waters plans, the current Government have set up their Local Waters Done Well legislation which requires Waitaki District Council to present the Department of Internal Affairs with a costed Water Services Plan by September 2025.
The options presented are continuing to deliver water services in-house as the status quo or forming a CCO (Council Controlled Organisation) to deliver water services. There is also the option for Council, or a CCO, to collaborate with other Councils although there are no detailed plans developed on any such collaboration at this time.
Chief Executive Alex Parmley says: “The Government have directed us to produce a plan, at our expense, on how our services will be delivered. Delivering water services today totals about 30% of total rates and rising drinking, waste and stormwater standards will only see this percentage rise. Council, and the community, have to decide how best to face these challenges – as the pressure of water infrastructure costs over the next nine years will severely reduce Council’s ability to spend money elsewhere on other essential infrastructure.
This is not just about the future of the water services, it’s about the future of the Council and its ability to meet the needs of the district and its communities”
Consultation on the future of water services will be open to public submission in February 2025.