Moving on with water

Given the decisive and eminently sensible decision made by the majority of Tasman district councillors regarding the Waimea dam, there are questions as to what a ‘‘plan B’’ may look like. Here are some starters:

There is no urban crisis if the council simply fixes the pipes. In terms of new urban residential builds, consider making water harvesting a consent condition. Investigate the feasibility of greywater harvesting rather than dumping it at Rabbit Island.

Buy out the remaining dairy farms and hold their water allocation as a strategic reserve. Create an online closed water trading platform as a means to ensure least cost abatement in dry years.

Commission a study of ecosystem health in the river. Focus on land use alternatives and drylands options. Grapes are a starter, but medical cannabis or hemp could also be options.

Get an independent hydrologist to sort out how much water there actually is. This is a critical issue to resolve before running headlong towards weirs and the like.

WIN and the eight councillors who voted against the dam, congratulate yourselves on a job well done (and a bullet dodged). To Mayor Kempthorne, whilst I did not agree with your arguments, I do respect the sincerity with which you held them.

Peter Fraser Nelson, August 30