A future of high density housing and water charges

Our section in Strowan could easily fit three townhouses on it. That is six toilets, at least three to 12 people living there, and three water meters, each allowed 700 litres a day.

We have developed a large productive garden and have the luxury of space and trees.

We have little impact on the wastewater system.

Where are we being led with the high density housing that is happening and water charges? Sally Shrimpton Strowan

Ignorance is bliss

The Christchurch City Council, in ignoring my letter following the quakes, sidestepped the opportunity to be a ‘‘sponge city’’ (Feb 3) to capture roof runoff.

I simply suggested that no rebuild permits be issued unless ‘‘in foundation’’ water storage was included to capture the initial downpour in storm events, which not only moderated above floor temperatures but would be available for use in dry periods, even firefighting.

I’d witnessed the effects of such common sense regulation on that tiny arid country, Malta, where much of that stored water also irrigated their vegetable crops.

About 15 years ago I constructed two gully dams for irrigation, a fringe benefit of which is that a county road is no longer crossed by a roaring torrent following the initial storm fronts.

Christchurch City Council – ‘‘where ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise.’’

John McCaskey, Waipara

Flood frequency

Lake Ellesmere used to be the estuary of the Waimakariri not so long ago.

Today the riverbed is the same level as its surrounding land and but for the stopbanks built after February 4, 1868, when floodwater was knee deep in Victoria Square, Christchurch would have been under water on numerous occasions.

Stopbank heights were based on historical records but with climate change and new records being set every day, a one in a 100-year flood may soon be an annual event.

Even a humongous sponge won’t cut the mustard when the Waimakariri breaks its banks. John Waldron, St Albans

Action needed now

Parts of Christchurch are at or below sea level.

Any water lying on a surface will find its way to the lowest point.

Drainage alone will not rid the central city and other low-lying areas of excessive water.

There is also the effect of the Avon, Heathcote and Waimakariri rivers to take into consideration.

The Christchurch City Council needs to stop intensive housing and have a competent engineer look at the whole situation before deciding to erect further large areas of concrete for sports, entertainment or other facilities.

That means now, not in a few years’ time when even Blind Willie can see the problem. V B Smith, Halswell