The future of water

Last week, Council voted to explore a joint-partnership for delivering water under the Government's Local Water Done Well reforms. The two options the Mayor and Councillors are considering are working with the Southern Waters or partnering with Timaru and Mackenzie.

This follows the rejection of Council's in-house plan by the Department of Internal Affairs, and the appointment of a Crown Facilitator to assist Waitaki in producing a new water plan by 30 June 2026.

We are currently in discussion with Timaru and Mackenzie, who are seeking a joint-partnership arrangement. No decision has been made.

The asset condition review Council was instructed to undertake by the DIA has not stopped because of last weeks decision. Phase 2, more detailed investigation of our pipework including excavation and further testing, will be complete by mid-2026. Council approved the funding of $300,000 for this work last week.

Council submitted an In House plan which was rejected by the Government, who told us to try something different. At the time of voting, and in public workshops since then, the Elected Members have expressed their intention to seek other options and partnerships.  In House was the second-most expensive option for our ratepayers, which would have included a 62% rise in water charges in 2026/2027.

Water charges will rise over the next decade. The delivery model Council chooses will determine by how much. The priority will be affordability to the ratepayer as well as a safe, reliable system that will serve generations to come, as we invest hundreds of millions of dollars into pipework and treatment plants to meet the water quality, infrastructure and commerce regulations. By working with others, we can reduce costs, have greater contracting power, and deliver the most affordable outcome.