The Otago Regional Council will talk to the Hawea Irrigation Company regarding irrigation water escapes, following an Otago Daily Times report last week about occasional flooding problems faced by Kane Rd resident Maire Matheson over 31 years.
Otago Regional Council compliance manager Martin King said he was aware of some of the issues and wanted to learn more.
"If there is irrigation water going beyond a property boundary, that is of concern. That's something that should not happen. We will be in contact with them [the Hawea Irrigation Company] and take action, if that has not already happened," he said.
Mrs Matheson approached the newspaper recently after deciding "enough was enough".
Under the Resource Management Act, the regional council is responsible for monitoring irrigation resource consents. Actions for escaped irrigation water range from warnings through to prosecution.
Mr King said the council could not just cut the water off and it was too early to say what action could result in this case.
"I am not sure if there's been a formal complaint, but obviously there will be a discussion with the irrigation company to see what's happening, why this has happened, and we will carry on from there." Landowners and irrigation companies are both responsible for efficient application of irrigation water.
The Resource Management Act provides for fines of up to $300,000 for an individual and $600,000 for an irrigation company.
