Environment Canterbury
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.
Keep as much sediment and pollution away from water sources through tougher regulation work.
Prioritise the nitrates getting through to the wells in Mid, South and North Canterbury and work with communities on this until levels drop.
Support the Water Services Authority in their work to deliver clean water to drink and bring waste water treatment up to date.
Continue to collect reliable weather data to aid decision-making.
Make consent requirements for farmers workable and focused on outcomes.
Retain local control of Three Waters.
Improve private well owners' knowledge about testing and treating their wells to protect health outcomes.
Monitor stormwater discharges and waste water overflows. Work with councils and businesses to improve, and enforce when necessary.
Protect Christchurch's drinking water aquifer – take a precautionary approach to nitrate pollution.
Ensure drinking water and wastewater services meet high safety standards without unnecessary extra costs.
Improve environmental monitoring tools like flood alerts and rainfall tracking for community safety.
Streamline permits and registrations with easy online systems, ensuring costs are recovered fairly from users.
Keep as much sediment and pollution away from water sources through tougher regulation work.
Prioritise the nitrates getting through to the wells in Mid, South and North Canterbury and work with communities on this until levels drop.
Support the Water Services Authority in their work to deliver clean water to drink and bring waste water treatment up to date.
Continue to collect reliable weather data to aid decision-making.
Make consent requirements for farmers workable and focused on outcomes.
Retain local control of Three Waters.
Improve private well owners' knowledge about testing and treating their wells to protect health outcomes.
Monitor stormwater discharges and waste water overflows. Work with councils and businesses to improve, and enforce when necessary.
Protect Christchurch's drinking water aquifer – take a precautionary approach to nitrate pollution.
Ensure drinking water and wastewater services meet high safety standards without unnecessary extra costs.
Improve environmental monitoring tools like flood alerts and rainfall tracking for community safety.
Streamline permits and registrations with easy online systems, ensuring costs are recovered fairly from users.
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