Waikato Regional Council
Utilities and services
Councils are responsible for a wide range of utilities and services that we all rely on, from rubbish and recycling to street cleaning. Councils are currently also responsible for managing waste water, storm water and drinking water infrastructure – the ‘Three Waters’. But that may be about to change, with central government seeking to shift the delivery of Three Waters services to four new larger entities, which could borrow enough to upgrade the country’s water infrastructure.
Utilities and services
Councils are responsible for a wide range of utilities and services that we all rely on, from rubbish and recycling to street cleaning. Councils are currently also responsible for managing waste water, storm water and drinking water infrastructure – the ‘Three Waters’. But that may be about to change, with central government seeking to shift the delivery of Three Waters services to four new larger entities, which could borrow enough to upgrade the country’s water infrastructure.
Regional council's responsibility is as a consenting authority, regulator, monitor and enforcement agency. Ensure we're adequately resourced.
Collaborate with central and local government to achieve a secure and efficient regional freshwater, wastewater and stormwater system.
Review flood protection and environmental monitoring services in face of climate change and sea level rise.
Review consent costs and timings.
Keep water decision-making close to home. Decisions made about our water a long way away are never going to be as good as our own decisions.
Support businesses to recycle more. Make it as easy for them to recycle, as we have made it for residential homes.
Evaluate the permits and registrations required of individuals and businesses. Are there things the council can step back from regulating?
Encourage a strong stance by council to get full environmental compliance of Three Waters infrastructure and operational management.
Encourage a strong stance by council to get full stormwater management compliance, especially with farm and property development.
Encourage rainwater tank installations for properties to increase water efficiency (less treated water used for gardening, washing car, etc).
Regional council's responsibility is as a consenting authority, regulator, monitor and enforcement agency. Ensure we're adequately resourced.
Collaborate with central and local government to achieve a secure and efficient regional freshwater, wastewater and stormwater system.
Review flood protection and environmental monitoring services in face of climate change and sea level rise.
Review consent costs and timings.
Keep water decision-making close to home. Decisions made about our water a long way away are never going to be as good as our own decisions.
Support businesses to recycle more. Make it as easy for them to recycle, as we have made it for residential homes.
Evaluate the permits and registrations required of individuals and businesses. Are there things the council can step back from regulating?
Encourage a strong stance by council to get full environmental compliance of Three Waters infrastructure and operational management.
Encourage a strong stance by council to get full stormwater management compliance, especially with farm and property development.
Encourage rainwater tank installations for properties to increase water efficiency (less treated water used for gardening, washing car, etc).
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