Environment / Canterbury

Akaroa wastewater woes and 'purple pipes' policy gap

09:38 am on 9 December 2020

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Photo: Andie Moore

Christchurch City Council plans to build two treated  waste water storage ponds  in a picturesque Banks Peninsula settlement are causing anger among Akaroa locals.

Friends of Banks Peninsula says the proposed fix to the town's ailing waste water system will be an eyesore and does nothing to assist with the township's drinking water crisis. In addition to creating the storage ponds  the council's Akaroa Treated Waste Water Hearings Panel has recommended  lobbying  central government to make it possible for "purple pipe" systems to be introduced for non-potable reuse of treated wastewater.

17 councilors including the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor will vote whether to go ahead with their preferred option on Thursday 10th December.

Kathryn Ryan talks to Sue Church from Friends of Banks Peninsula and  Councillor Sara Templeton Akaroa Treated Waste Water Hearings Panel Chair.