Taupo water system 'looking good for future'
A Council-commissioned report shows Taupo District Council’s (TDC) proactive approach to managing its water services (water, wastewater and storm water) has positioned it well to meet local government reform initiatives.
The provision of water services is a specific area of central government focus as awareness grows of the importance of water across its various uses and its strategic economic and environmental importance. Prior to the local government reform, Council had initiated measures to manage its water infrastructure including two organisation restructures, cost containment, deferral of projects and renewed emphasis on debt payment.
The ‘Peer Review - Three Waters Activity’ report, prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) using as a base the National Infrastructure Unit (NIU) assessment and methodology combined with PwC expertise, assessed Council’s water, wastewater and storm water infrastructure and water management methodologies. The review was based on six guiding principles: investment analysis, resilience, funding mechanisms, accountability and performance, regulation and coordination.
The report showed that, despite the number of challenges since the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 which led to contraction in funding lines and the ability to increase rates, Council’s approach to asset management was found to be of sound practice which is being enhanced through a continuous improvement programme.
When benchmarked against similar councils, the report found that Taupo District’s geography presents a particular challenge as its 31 water and wastewater schemes are spread across the landscape. The 6354 square kilometres mean that the limited staff who maintain the infrastructure are stretched. Yet, despite operating the largest network infrastructure in the region, TDC has a lower than average rate of customer complaint calls.
In addition, the schemes which were built for small catchments must now accommodate a summer peak of out of town ratepayers (44 per cent) and visitors. Other challenges, such as competing users and environmental and drinking water standards, were highlighted.
Moving forward, Council has put in place an extensive renewal programme across all plants and through the end of the current Long Term Plan 2012-22 position it to maintain and track improvements. Council will continue to work to ensure continuity of supply and quality water for the community, in accordance with this planned infrastructure programme.
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