Rongotea indicates water preferences

RONGOTEA residents have responded strongly to a Manawatu District Council questionnaire about an option to install a reticulated drinking water supply for the town.


Water Manager, Wayne Spencer, said almost half the 260 ratepayers contacted had responded, with 55 percent against the option and 45 percent in favour.


The questionnaire, which asked if residents supported a community-based drinking water supply scheme or not, followed the Ministry of Health’s offer of financial assistance to qualifying communities on the installation of new or upgraded supplies.


Mr Spencer thought there would have been more people in favour of the option as Rongotea was likely to enjoy significant benefits from such a scheme.


The council was to discuss the findings at its meeting tomorrow (March 20) and decide whether to press ahead with a funding application for the scheme or to leave the issue in the meantime.


Mr Spencer said ongoing costs and a general satisfaction with the current tank supply were the main reasons outlined by respondents for opposing the option.


“A standard reply was ‘I’ve had water tanks all my life, why do I need to change’,” said Mr Spencer. “And many felt the projected annual maintenance cost of $250-$300 per property was too high.”


He said concerns were also expressed at the upfront capital cost, as the Government subsidy would be in the vicinity of 70 percent, leaving the remaining 30 percent to be funded by the community.


“Rongotea is a big town to be still operating on tanks and to not have a community water supply system,” said Mr Spencer. “Many people don’t realise the risks involved with tanks, particularly after long, dry periods when accumulated dust, pollen and droppings from birds and possums are washed from the roof into the supply.”

He said Government was also looking at introducing more stringent measures in the future to improve community health, such as licensed water carriers and higher drinking water standards.


“A town like Rongotea with a safe water supply becomes a lot more attractive to people and this in turn can lead to sub-divisional and commercial growth.”


Mr Spencer said if the water supply issue was held over for a few years, installation and upgrading costs would escalate and the community would have “missed the boat” in regard to Government subsidy.


“If, sometime in the future, Rongotea decides to get a reticulated system, it is likely the community will have to meet the full costs,” he said.