GDC votes to fund installation of new well to alleviate water issues

GORE may have found a solution to its water shortage in the leadup to summer.

The Gore District Council faced criticism last year when severe water restrictions were enforced following prolonged hot weather.

At an extraordinary meeting earlier this week, councillors voted to fund the installation of a bore after a new well was found at Cooper’s Well.

They agreed to raise $235,000 as an internal loan for the project along with a raft of other watersaving measures, including allowing more leni ency around watering home vegetables and consulting on installing rain water tanks on existing properties.

The council has already set up a taskforce to prepare for a water shortage.

Gore Mayor Tracy Hicks called the meeting unprece dented, but necessary.

Earlier this year, the Southland Regional Council reported 2017 was the driest year for the region in close to half a century.

The council already has consent to take 5 million litres of water per day from Cooper’s Well, but it is expected to take less than half of that each day.

Councillors also agreed to review the water restriction regime the council has in place at present.

Public consultation on the bylaw changes will open next week. — RNZ