Spring given a spruceup

VOLUNTEERS sprang into action on Saturday for a working bee to clean up the Wanaka community spring on Lakeside Rd.

Organiser Richard Windelov said hundreds of people collected their drinking water from the spring every day, and the water feature was a popular stopping point for anyone walking from the Dinosaur Park towards the marina.

‘‘Every time I am down here people tell me they are so grateful for it.

‘‘This morning, a man came down with his 1yearold and 3yearold daughters to get their drinking water because he said the town water gives his kids upset stomachs.’’

Tests have proved the water is potable, but it is not classified as an official community water source.

The Wanaka community spring was created and funded by the community and local businesses almost a decade ago.

Mr Windelov said there were an estimated two to three hundred springs in Wanaka, including along Lakeside Dr, but most were now under developments.

‘‘I am very passionate about water, I love water, and to me it is the most valuable resource we have and we should honour it.

‘‘Wanaka should be a spring town and marketed as a spring town,’’ he said.

PHOTO: KERRIE WATERWORTH Revitalising a resource . . . Organiser Richard Windelov holds a water goddess sculpture he made for the Wanaka community spring as volunteers remove stones and debris from the spring pond beside Lakeside Rd.