Area for water allocation to be discussed by ORC

Doug Brown
Doug Brown
A larger area of the North Otago volcanic aquifer could soon be allocated to water users after an Otago Regional Council study identified restrictions were not effectively managing groundwater resources.

The report, presented to the environmental science committee on Thursday, reviewed the management of the Deborah and Waiareka aquifer system.

As a result, a new boundary to define the North Otago volcanic aquifer was proposed, as were lower restriction levels on Webster well for the whole of the aquifer and the removal of restriction levels on Isbister well.

A total allocation of seven million cubic metres a year from the aquifer was also proposed and it was suggested a groundwater management area be established in the Kakanui estuary zone, to protect against seawater intrusion.

Resource scientist Jens Rekker said the Deborah and Waiareka aquifer allocation areas were half the size of the volcanic aquifer.

The council could now look at allocating a larger area.

"There is the potential to take the break off some of the allocation issues."

Cr Doug Brown said it was a very complex issue, with wide implications.

The council needed to be very careful to include the community in any decisions.

The study also found the eastern and central portion of the aquifer had elevated nitrate nitrogen concentration in shallow groundwater, which posed a significant health concern.

Mr Rekker said levels had been high since monitoring began in the 1980s, but its definite cause had not been found.

It was thought the area's market gardens played a role.

It was recommended that authorities such as Waitaki District Council and Public Health South be informed, as well as individual well and bore owners.

Most of the properties in the area had access to piped water supplies for domestic use, he said.

The report would now go to the policy and resource planning committee for consideration.

 

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