Investigations into an additional water supply for Carterton have been brought forward, locking in some resource security for residents amid predicted rapid population growth.
File photo. Photo: 123RF
Water supply for the Carterton district comes from the Kaipatangata Stream and two underground bores.
Current water supply levels are adequate for the immediate future but have been hampered by peak time storage when the demand on the supply is greater than what can be produced.
The supply isn't enough for the council to proceed with its eastern growth strategy, which is set to introduce hundreds of new sections for development to help the housing crisis.
A new water source was identified as necessary for future supply and had been planned for in the 2027/28 financial year.
Last week, Carterton councillors unanimously agreed to bring an options analysis forward from the 2024/25 budget to the current financial year.
Carterton councillor Robyn Cherry-Campbell said it was "absolutely prudent" water supply investigations were done now, particularly to service the growing population.
The decision was moved by Councillor Steve Cretney and seconded by Brian Deller.
About $287,000 of funding for the options analysis had been allocated to the 2024/2025 financial year, although not all of this may be required.
Not undertaking a water options analysis would likely have delayed the rezoning of the eastern growth area.
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