New supply likely
New supply likely
A new water supply for Alexandra is likely after the Vincent Community Board this week decided not to improve the existing borefield site.
Water Quality
Expert warns of water pollution 'time bomb'
Expert warns of water pollution 'time bomb'
An international specialist is warning agricultural expansion could result in a "time bomb" effect and the true extent of water pollution might not be realised for many years.
Water quality forum
Water quality forum
Otago communities have been urged to get involved in proposed changes by the Otago Regional Council to the way it manages water quality.
Favourable contract reduces water-scheme cost
Favourable contract reduces water-scheme cost
The cost of upgrading three East Otago water supplies to meet drinking-water standards has been reduced after the Waitaki District Council awarded a contract for a major component of the work.
'Draconian' fencing call
'Draconian' fencing call
The Catlins was a "very special place" and "a special part of Otago", so how could Owaka River water quality be classed as only fair, Otago regional councillor Bryan Scott demanded at a recent committee meeting.
Towns not 'deprived' enough for water subsidy
Towns not 'deprived' enough for water subsidy
Upgrading nine Central Otago drinking-water schemes to meet Ministry of Health standards will cost more than $2.9 million, but the majority of the towns involved are not "disadvantaged" enough to qualify for capital works subsidies.
Changes now under way have ministry funding
Changes now under way have ministry funding
Clutha District Council manager district assets Jules Witt says the changes to drinking water standards are unlikely to affect the district.
Upgrade of 21 supplies to cost $21 million
Upgrade of 21 supplies to cost $21 million
The Waitaki District Council will have spent more than $21 million upgrading 21 water supplies by 2014, but the largest and most expensive project has already been completed.
Residents frustrated
Residents frustrated
Naseby residents are getting steamed up about how often they have to boil their water so it is safe to drink.
Community still boiling over water
Community still boiling over water
The Reidston community is tired of fighting for quality drinking water from a water treatment plant they spent $50,000 upgrading.
Bores to test for aquifers
Bores to test for aquifers
Exploratory drills could soon be sunk in Wanaka's lakefront reserve as council engineers search for an alternative water source to address an ongoing algae contamination of the town's water supply.
Contamination affects new plant
Contamination affects new plant
A small rural community south of Oamaru which invested about $50,000 upgrading its water scheme to new drinking-water standards is now having to boil its water because of contamination.
New loans needed to meet deadline
New loans needed to meet deadline
Dunedin city councillors will be asked to fast-track loans of up to $11.6 million to complete the Tahuna wastewater treatment plant on time, just weeks after Mayor Dave Cull signalled a new drive to save money.
Fresh solutions
Fresh solutions
The latest National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research report on the state of our lakes bears disappointing tidings.
Deep-water tests find algae present
Deep-water tests find algae present
Deep-water lake tests to try to find a new source of drinking water for Wanaka residents that is free of problematic invasive algae have been unsuccessful.
Chance to air water views
Chance to air water views
Roxburgh and Lake Roxburgh Village residents will next week be able to have their say on whether their towns' water supplies should be upgraded.
Water treatment systems for testing
Water treatment systems for testing
Two water treatment systems that might improve the quality of Alexandra's water will be trialled in February 2011.
Business as usual over water issues
Business as usual over water issues
Farmers should not expect any sudden changes to rules governing fresh water management following last week's report by the Land and Water Forum, according to the Otago Regional Council.
Water quality checks queried
Water quality checks queried
Questions are being asked about the accuracy of spot checks on water quality on farms after a South Otago trial showed variable results.
Otago's estuaries in good health
Otago's estuaries in good health
Estuaries in coastal Otago are in good health but they are also showing signs of "stressors" from land use further upstream, Otago Regional Council environmental information and science director John Threlfall said.