FNDC wants water supply feedback

The Far North District Council is asking for public feedback on a new treated water supply bylaw, which will apply to the eight reticulated water schemes managed by the council at Kaikohe-Ngawha, Kaitaia, Kawakawa-Moerewa, KerikeriWaipapa, O¯ kaihau, O¯ pononiO¯ ma¯ pere, Paihia-O¯ pua-Waitangi, and Ra¯ wene-Omanaia.

The new draft bylaw, approved by the council’s Strategy and Policy Committee for public consultation last week, reaffirms most of the conditions for the supply and use of treated water contained in the current bylaw, including defining the point of water supply to customers and where council responsibilities for supply end, council obligations over supply interruptions during maintenance or emergencies, council powers to apply water restrictions, and the use of water meters to ensure fair and accurate billing.

The bylaw will not apply to privately-owned water schemes, which are regulated by national legislation.

Committee chairwoman councillor Rachel Smith said the supply of treated water was one of the key services the council provided to many of the district’s urban residents, but also to rural households that relied on treated water to refill rainwater tanks during prolonged dry periods. Other commercial operations used treated water from hydrant standpipes.

“Like the existing bylaw, the new (one) sets out exactly what the council’s obligations to our many water customers are. However, the new bylaw will clarify technical language, simplify the definition of treated water, and provide an explanation of customer rights to object to water supply decisions,” she said.

The new bylaw was not related to the Government’s Three Waters review. “That is a national examination of treated water supplies, wastewater and stormwater.

“This consultation is an opportunity for residents to have a say on treated water supplies delivered by the Far North District Council, and is part of a process to replace a bylaw due to be revoked in October,” she said.

Submissions, closing on May 31, could be made using an online survey form (www.fndc.govt.nz/water bylaw2021), by email (submissions @fndc.govt.nz), delivery to any council service centre or Far North library, or by posting to Strategy Development Team, Far North District Council, Private Bag 752, Kaikohe 0440.

All submitters would have the opportunity to speak to their submission at a meeting of the Strategy and Policy Committee on June 8, online or in person.