February 25 2020
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Water questions, myths exposed u by Andy Bryenton
Speculation, tough questions and some inevitable misinformation and confusion have reigned recently on social media regarding issues around the region’s ongoing ‘big dry’. To cut through online misunderstandings and conflicting information, the Kaipara Lifestyler directly questioned the Kaipara District Council for answers to some of the more pressing questions levelled by the public.
Council consults communities Community consultations have been held …
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Dahlias aid dementia
Maungaturoto’s Riverview Rest Home’s dementia unit …
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Fishing at midnight
Keen anglers will be descending on the Kaipara harbour …
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The first concerns the large dam on Opunake Road. This clearly abundant water source has been brought into question as it represents a large and valuable resource during a time of drought. When asked if it was being ‘hoarded’ or remained disused due to lack of repair or infrastructure, the Kaipara District Council replied that: “The dam of water at Opunake is part of our resource consent with the Northland Regional Council. To protect the health of the river, any water we take from Rotu has to be supplemented with water from the Opunake Dam. It’s not piped but is instead released through existing creeks and tributaries until it meets the Kaihu River. Historically, there may have been plans for it to be a (piped) water source, however; it currently exists solely as a condition of our resource consent to take water.” To clarify; the KDC may only take water if the stream flows deep enough. By slowly releasing water from this dam, the stream is kept at a level where supply can be maintained. Think of it as a ‘top-up’ for emergencies. The second question is a practical one. Some people opine that it is illegal to install a water tank in urban areas. Not so, according to the KDC’s rules, though large tanks may need to comply with the central government’s building regulations, for example, so that they don’t burst or tip over. “Small, 1,000-litre
p Kaipara Mayor Dr Jason Smith at the Opunake Road Dam, which has been at the centre of public questions and controversy — the dam is fully operational as designed
tanks can go on your property with no issues,” says KDC media spokesperson Ben Hope. “Larger size tanks may be subject to rules in the District Plan or building consent. For existing houses, each situation is different, but the broad guidelines are a significant sized tank cannot be placed in the front yard, but may be placed in the side or back when it’s not over a council asset line. A small section may be constricted by tank size and the rules around impermeable surfaces.” In short, it’s possible, but it’s best to ask first to get
the ‘nuts and bolts’ correct. Notably, a properly consented and installed tank may even increase your home’s value, as well as its resilience to drought. The final question is the refutation of a statement that ‘there are only two weeks of water left’. KDC analysts believe that even with continued dry weather, current river flow rates backed up by the Opunake Rd dam would see us through until April 31. By this time, the rain will almost certainly have broken the drought. continued on page 3 …