793 days ago

Council plans to become class 1 water supplier, bypass treatment rules

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Christchurch’s water supply technically leaves 170,000 people at risk of exposure to protozoa, but the city council’s head of Three Waters says residents shouldn’t worry and it has a plan.

The latest update comes as mayor Phil Mauger says a representative from Taumata Arowai, the national water regulator, has agreed to attend an upcoming Christchurch City Council meeting.

Brent Smith, the council’s head of Three Waters, said instead of putting protozoa treatment barriers into its water supply (as requested by Taumatua Arowai, following the recent cryptosporidium outbreak in Queenstown), the council planned to become a class 1 supplier. Reaching the threshold of class 1 status was not achievable for all of the council’s water sources, but could be for most, he said.

Most of Christchurch’s water comes from aquifers (an underground water source). If the city drew that water from a depth of 30m or more, it could meet the water regulator’s class 1 requirements and would not require a UV treatment barrier.

Read reporter Sinead Gill's full story here.

More messages from your neighbours
7 days ago

Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.

We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?

Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.

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Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
  • 90.4% Yes
    90.4% Complete
  • 9.6% No
    9.6% Complete
94 votes
11 hours ago

Poll: How do you feel about outdoor murals?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🌟 Something big and colourful has arrived on Manchester Street!
A brand-new five-storey mural has just gone up — the first of many outdoor artworks set to appear around Christchurch in the lead-up to February’s climate art festival.

We want to know: How do you feel about outdoor art?

Interested in the new works that will decorate the Garden City? The Press has you covered.

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How do you feel about outdoor murals?
  • 85.7% All for it! They make our spaces interesting
    85.7% Complete
  • 14.3% Nah - not for me
    14.3% Complete
21 votes
4 days ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.

Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔

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Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 73.4% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    73.4% Complete
  • 15.8% Hmm, maybe?
    15.8% Complete
  • 10.8% Yes!
    10.8% Complete
741 votes