RESOLVED

THAT the apology of Crs I D Troughton and S G Baker be received and sustained.

CCWW05/08 Trembath/Wightman CARRIED

There were no late items.

MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2005

RESOLVED

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Consultative Committee Water and Wastes held on Tuesday 7 June 2005 be taken as read and confirmed.

CCWW05/09 Anderson/Corlett CARRIED

The Utilities Manager updated the Committee advised that there has not been any progress made on the Hikutaia Cut proposal. It was asked by Alice Anderson if there was any discussion documented regarding the Hikutaia Cut from the previous discussions at the meeting and site visit. It was suggested that the replacement Utilities Manager could provide information regarding the viability of using the cut as an alternative raw water source. Issues of carp being present in the water source and the resulting stress induced spawning is still a concern that Environment Waikato and DOC have which Council staff are working through. The Utilities Manager stated that according to conversations had with local Environment Waikato staff, the carp already exist in the Waihou River catchment.

UTILITIES MANAGER’S - WATER SUPPLY AND WASTEWATER AND REFUSE REPORT (01.011.025) (678KB)

A report was presented from both the Utilities Managers of Water Supply and Wastewater and Refuse for the consideration of the Committee.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT the report be received.

CCWW05/10 Welsh/Corlett CARRIED

The Utilities Manager updated the Committee on the turbidity readings for all district water supplies and how they are meeting the Ministry of Health drinking water standards.

Members asked what provisions have been considered for the continuity of water supply for the plains in the future as the population increases and how this high demand on the existing water supply will affect the farming sector. The Utilities Manager stated that there is an increased demand for water supply on the Plains due intensive farming practices and alternative water supply options are being investigated. A discussion was held regarding alternative water supplies that are already available.

Drainage – Paeroa College

Tewi Nicholls (Ngati Tamatera), queried drainage at this location. There is a hollow dip in the land opposite the college where Mr Nichols remembers the water flowing through under the State Highway through into the college property. Mr Nicholls question pertained to the fact that there is no flow of water through this area anymore and wondered why this has happened. The Utilities Manager- Water Supply stated that he will refer this issue to the District Engineer for him to comment on.

It was asked if Council could meter the water usage of businesses to monitor and protect reasonable use of the water supply without compromising the water supply to the rest of the community.

Discussions were held regarding concerns of the sustainability of water supplies and the allocation of water supply by Environment Waikato.

It was asked if there was an option to divert excess water (in the case of flood events) to alternative catchments to increase the availability of the water supply. The Utilities Manager stated that these options have been considered but due to operational issues and water quality they have not been progressed.

The Utilities Manager outlined the Tetley Quarry site as a water reservoir at the Steen Road site.

The Utilities Manager outlined the first stage of the contract work of the bulk main programme for the Hauraki Plains Water Supply.

The Utilities Manager, Wastewater and Refuse outlined the issue of overflow, which occurred during the recent heavy rain event.

Alice Anderson conveyed her appreciation to Russell Bond on behalf of the Tangata Whenua and the Iwi representatives for his contribution and work with the Committee and wished him well for his future endeavours.

Mr Tewi Nicholls closed the meeting with a karakia.

The meeting closed at 11.45am.

CONFIRMED

B T Wightman