We have shared our findings on what caused the discolouration of Timaru’s drinking water in late 2021.
Taking action for sustainable use and management of water
We are accelerating actions to improve and protect drinking water sources, and set standards for effective management of stormwater and wastewater.
We are supporting water users to develop infrastructure and practices (including exploring the role of environmental infrastructure) to access water sources and use them sustainably.
How are we tracking on our Levels of Service?
To achieve this Level of Service, we will deliver prioritised catchment programmes to improve urban water quality.
How are we doing: We continue to work with district councils to improve Three Waters outcomes, including through compliance monitoring of wastewater plants and stormwater networks.
Implementing the Comprehensive Stormwater Consent with Christchurch City Council is ongoing and is occurring over a multi-year time frame.
The micro plastics campaign is on track with nearly 100 sites visited with advice provided to address any onsite issues.
Within the sediment and erosion campaign, a ‘rainy-day campaign’ has been completed, visiting potential high-risk sediment erosion sites.
To achieve this Level of Service, we will identify opportunities for improving environmental outcomes through infrastructure and establish projects though a regional work programme.
How are we doing: Work is underway across all aspects of the programme and the annual report will be compiled and reported on at the end of quarter four.
How are we doing on our key initiatives?
How are we doing: We are delivering our regulatory responsibilities, preparing for the creation of new water entities, and supporting improvements to Three Waters outcomes.
Our drinking water webpage was updated to support the first part of the private well owners information campaign and new on-site wastewater pages are now live.
We have engaged with district councils on potential flood management asset transfer under the Affordable Water Reform and on their implementation and processes to achieve outcomes under stormwater network consents. A memorandum of understanding was signed with Waimakariri District Council to support processes for identification of high-risk sites. Compliance monitoring of district councils' wastewater plants and stormwater networks is ongoing as part of the High-Priority Consents programme with compliance issues identified and addressed.
Recent highlights and updates
New rules in the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan will see more water kept in the Hakatere/Ashburton River.