Four towns around Clutha will get better drinking water standards as part of a $3 million-plus upgrade of supplies which is largely government-funded.
Rates could go up 50% in next decade
The Clutha District Council's draft long-term council community plan reveals households in Balclutha, Kaitangata, Lawrence and Tapanui will incur extra water rate charges in exchange for getting better quality drinking water.
"Clean and safe drinking water is one of the most important things a council can provide and is something that the community cannot do without," the document said.
The upgrades will meet new Ministry of Health drinking water standards and the ministry has contributed about $2 million towards the projects.
The four communities received different funding amounts for their upgrades.
Balclutha was given $354,889 in government help (or 25% of the estimated $1.4 million cost), Kaitangata: $275,912 (63% of $437,900), Lawrence: $751,680 (90% of $835,000) and Tapanui: $599,964 (80% of $750,000).
The rest of the money will come from ratepayers, with the difference expected to add to their water rates.
The biggest rise will be for Tapanui ratepayers, who will pay an extra $50 in their water unit rate, while Balclutha ratepayers can expect to pay $17 more and Kaitangata an extra $12.
Lawrence ratepayers will add an extra $42 to their water rate, but for just four years.
The council said it was keen to take advantage of the government money while it was still on offer.
"Experience has shown that where the Government offers assistance for projects such as these, it should be applied for and used as soon as practicable, because the funding soon dries up and the first in, first served principle applies."
Recycling
Recycling is set to be introduced to Clutha households over the next four years, with all homes having up to three separate wheelie bins as part of the expanded service.
Ratepayers have had wheelie bins for all waste for more than a decade.
These bins are emptied weekly.
But the council's draft long-term plan proposes the introduction of recycling bins in 2011-12 and collections alternating with the normal wheelie bins.
The extra kerbside service would add an estimated $18 to rates bills but final costs are yet to be confirmed as regional recycling operations are to be considered.
Another bin, for organic and green waste, will be introduced in the 2012-13 year.
Before then, the council wants to introduce several recycling drop-off centres at its main Balclutha landfill at Mt Cooee and other parts of the district, if costs allow.
The council said it was introducing the extra services for three key reasons - community demand and to meet its obligations under the Waste Minimisation Act and the emissions trading scheme.
