THAT the report be received.

1. WATER

I have received a copy of the new regulation for dairy shed water where the water can come in contact with the milk. The regulation contains several requirements that may increase the quality expectations for Councils rural water schemes. The objective of the regulation is for the water to have no more than 3 faecal coliforms/100mls, to have turbidity less than 5 NTU, not to discolour during rainfall events and to have back-flow prevention installed. In strict interruption of the criteria, none of Councils chlorine only bush stream supplies would meet the quality standard specified in the regulation, plus there are only a limited number of back-flow preventors installed on rural water meters. The regulations are unclear regarding Community water supplies that fail to meet the specified standards, or the timeframe by when the regulations have to be met.

The new Apakura Water Supply Bridge has been erected and the old bridge removed. The contract went smoothly and there weren’t any disruption to the water supply. Even with the additional scaffolding, the old bridge was still moving and failure was imminent. The replacement of the Apakura Bridge has eliminated the last of the three very high risks faced by Council relating to long term loss of water supply. The other two were failure of the Waihou River pipeline and the loss of the Waitawheta gorge pipeline.

At the last meeting concern as expressed at the possible failure of the Huirau Rd filter. A suitable replacement filter has been located. This filter comes in a 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.5mm or 0.8mm screen options and automatically self cleans without disrupting the flow. To supply and install this new filter would cost around $30,000.

The main on the northern side has been replaced and the main on the southern side should be replaced before the end of June.

The properties at the head of Aorangi Rd have been complaining of surging water pressures. Tests have shown surging to be noticeable and has a nuisance value to the affected properties. The surging is not strong enough to damage pipes or fittings. The surging is not continuous but can occur for sustained periods. Testing to date has not been able to determine to source of the surging and further testing is planned.

The new water main along King St is now in service. A branch from the King St main was connected to a dead end cast iron main in Arney St to turn this section into a loop main. This should reduce water quality complaints from this section of Arney St.

The last 2 ball hydrants in Paeroa are planned to be removed before the end of June.

The last section of galvanized iron water main over the State Highway bridge has been replaced with MDPE pipe.

The upper section of water main was swabbed. A more efficient hydrant was installed to permit better swabbing. Based on the volume of particles removed, swabbing will now be undertaken on a 3 monthly cycle.

2. SEWERAGE SCHEMES

Copies of the Environment Waikato conditions are available from Barry Somers.

This project represents a significant capital expenditure. To optimise the total construction process and to minimise risks of unnecessary expenditures it is proposed to engage a Project Manager to head the project. The Project Managers roll is be to keep an overview of all aspects of the project, monitor timelines and expenditures and to ensure the desired outcomes are achieved. Registrations of interest have been called form Project Managers. It is anticipated the Project Manger will be engaged once the appeal periods have finished.

With the commissioning of the new plant planned for 6 months after the expiry of the consents for the existing plant, the consents for the existing plant need to be extended. Based on legal advise, Environment Waikato are unwilling to extend these consents as a variation to the existing consents and require new consents to be applied for.

The annual detailed inspection of the pump stations has been carried out. A significant amount of maintenance works was detected. This work has been prioritised and the repairs are being undertaken on the more urgent items.

Barry Somers