Back to Media Releases
Council Seeks Community Views on Chlorination
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
The Waimakariri District Council is looking for community views on whether to continue the chlorination of the upgraded Rangiora and Oxford water supplies.
The new Rangiora water supply system, which was commissioned in March 2012, and the upgraded Oxford urban water supply, which came on line in 2010, have continued to be chlorinated as a standard precaution since then.
The level of chlorination has been low in recognition of the ‘secure’ water status afforded Oxford and the ‘interim secure’ status afforded Rangiora water supply. Secure water supplies are typically those deep well sources – clear groundwaters - such as the sources for both Oxford and Rangiora. It is common practice in New Zealand for water supplies to be chlorinated following a changeover in supply to ensure that reticulation systems are thoroughly disinfected and cleaned. The decision that the Council now faces is whether to continue that chlorination or not.
‘This is an issue on which there are some fairly firm opinions’, says the Council’s 3 Waters Manager, Kalley Simpson, ‘so it’s vital that we consult with the affected communities on the issue before any decision is made’.
“The Council has no strong views as to whether we continue with chlorination on the Rangiora and Oxford schemes or not. There are pros and cons either way, but it is important that the community makes an informed decision.”
The issue of chlorination for Oxford and Rangiora water supplies will be open for public submission from 1 September through until 1 October this year. In addition the Council will be holding public meetings in both Oxford and Rangiora to help people understand the arguments both for and against chlorination.
The Council will also be distributing a leaflet in Oxford and Rangiora which will outline some of the arguments for and against, to provide the material that people need to make an informed choice.
The options will be put before Council for decision in November, with any adjustments to the system, if required, to be made the following month.
Further information:
Gerard Cleary
Manager Utilities and Roading
Phone: (03) 311 8900 or (03) 327 6834
Email: gerard.cleary@wmk.govt.nz
Download PDF Version