Improving water quality and quantity

Drivers for change

Central government – we need to meet the hierarchy of obligations according to Te Mana o Te Wai and we know the quality of our water has become degraded in some places and we must find a way to turn that around.

At the same time water users, both urban and rural, need certainty of supply to enable them to plan ahead – and that means being able to take and use water in a way that is sustainable.

We also need to build into our plans the recognition that the way water is used can influence other outcomes, such as our ability to enjoy and connect with our environment. It is also an important consideration as we consider the uncertainties climate change brings.

What we heard

• We need to develop storage solutions for animal drinking water and irrigation.
• Stop taking water from our natural ecosystems for large-scale irrigation.
• Prevent nitrate and other contaminants from entering groundwater and rivers.
• Remove barriers and provide incentives for things that benefit the environment.
• A return to dryland farming would have significant impacts. Ashburton, Rangiora and smaller communities would bear the brunt.
• Enhance, develop and maintain wetlands through managed planting and protection.
• Fence all waterways.
• Stop changing the rules and let people get on with planting and other activities.

What we can influence

• How allocation of water and minimum flows for our rivers are set.
• Reducing water allocation where current use isn’t sustainable or doesn’t meet Te Mana o Te Wai requirements.
• How we manage water according to seasonal variation and climate change – when there is less rainfall and lower flows in rivers, the amount of water available for use is less.
• Allocation of water could be prioritised according to environmental effects – activities with a lesser impact taking priority.