Council Advances New Water Source to Ensure Safety for Residents

A resource consent application has been submitted to Environment Canterbury for a new water source near Bells Pond in Ikawai. This initiative marks a critical step toward resolving ongoing issues with elevated nitrate levels in the local water supply. Over the past few years, the area has experienced occasional spikes, including a significant breach in December 2024, which led to a “cease water consumption” notice until safe levels were restored.

In addressing these challenges, Stuart Duncan, the chief executive of the council, expressed optimism about the new developments. “The lodging of the resource consent marks the beginning of the final phase. Once approved, the council will move quickly to issue a tender for construction works,” he stated.

The council’s response to the December breach included an emergency solution: sourcing water from the Waitaki River. This alternative provided water with nitrate levels significantly below the maximum acceptable value (MAV). Following the temporary fix, the council undertook a thorough investigation to identify a permanent water source.

After months of sampling and testing the raw water quality, the site near Bells Pond was chosen for its superior water quality and minimal nitrate traces. The proposed solution entails the installation of approximately 4.5 kilometers of new piping to connect the source to the existing treatment plant, alongside minor modifications to the plant itself. The current bore will remain as a backup, provided it continues to meet drinking water standards.

This new project replaces the previously suggested denitrification plant, offering notable advantages. The new setup can be established more swiftly and is expected to lead to significantly lower operating costs, ultimately benefiting local ratepayers.

Achieving this milestone has required extensive collaboration with various stakeholders, including landowners, Morven Glenavy Ikawai Irrigation, Te Rūnanga o Waihao, and industry representatives. Their joint efforts have paved the way for a more sustainable and safe water supply for the residents of Ikawai.