Blue Bay residents are considering two future water supply options being proposed by the Wairoa District Council.

With the utilisation of the existing Opoutama bore off the table due to potential health risks and significant cost increases Blue Bay property owners are now being asked to provide feedback on other water supply options.

Option One involves a new bore and water supply upgrade at an approximate cost of $678,000.

Shared across the 44 residents that would mean a cost of $15,409 each.

Due to the shallowness of the bore and aquifer, limitations of the option include water restrictions and metering, a chance of the bore running dry, an ongoing risk of odour and colour issues, a cyanotoxins/algae risk and a high level of water treatment required.

Option two is for property owners to install rainwater tanks with Council’s obligation to supply water removed from the property title and therefore no water rate charge imposed by Council.

This option involves tank installation purchase and costs and meeting Council’s rainwater tank recommendations of UV disinfection, micron filters and leaf traps on downpipes.

Any consenting requirements, ongoing operational costs and possible water truck supply during dry periods would be met by the owners.

Wairoa District Council, acting chief executive Kitea Tipuna, said Council is now seeking feedback on the options from the Blue Bay property owners.

“The Blue Bay water supply is a very challenging issue, and it is important that property owners choose one option, and for that option to succeed it needs to be agreed to by all property owners.

“Council appreciates it has been a frustrating time but is committed to a partnership working towards a viable, affordable, timely and sustainable solution to the water supply issues at Blue Bay.

“We know property owners were looking forward to spending Christmas at Blue Bay and while we are unable to provide potable drinking water, we are looking to put three taps on the roadside for general use such as filling up caravan greywater systems and activating three fire hydrants with the same non-potable supply.

“Council has advised the Ministry of Health about the roadside tap option and that the water does not meet the NZ drinking water standards and they understand the reasoning and are happy with the interim solution.”

In line with a request from the Blue Bay property owners, with many living in the Napier and Hastings area, and in a bid to discuss the options as widely as possible, a meeting will be held with owners in Napier on the morning of Saturday, November 24. 

If required a further meeting will also be held locally.

The engagement process will close at 5pm on November 30 2018.

12 November 2018

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