Harvesting water to save costs

Good on Dennis Pennefather — a constant critic of the WDC.

He has ensured his water supply will not be a problem.

Please bear in mind that most rural dwellers have to find our own water unaided by council — town dwellers take it for granted.

We have not been barraged by mock water bills.

In December 2014 I wrote here a solution to reduce water demand from council. It was, I thought, simple and cost saving.

About half the properties in Te Awamutu/Kihikihi could harvest roof water for non potable use (toilets, garden, car/house washing, swimming pools, perhaps laundry).

Tanks and pumps are available from 1000 to 25,000 litres at a reasonable cost.

The proposal to spend $90 million over 10 years is ludicrous. Even if half of houses (and business) were supplied water tanks and pumps, the cost ($5000 per unit) would be in the order of $12 -15 million. Why throw our hard-earned rates money at a dead dog?

Council could fund installation of rainwater tanks instead of water meters (an unproductive cost measure). This would use resources (tradesmen) and materials better utilised making plumbing modifications to harvest and reticulate water at premises able to collect free water.

A bonus would be nil treatment of non potable water reducing treatment capacity.

Cambridge appears to have no water shortage — let’s spend the money in this area not waste it.

Why do we employ people on councils unable to think outside the square?

As for water companies — the thin end of the wedge for easy riders on fat directorate fees.

VAUGHAN THOMAS