Securing a reliable water supply

Obtaining water is never completely straightforward for the country dweller. In the city, at the turn of a tap, it flows clean, clear and ready for a variety of uses. 

But things can be a bit more difficult where mains supply is a distant luxury. Until recently many rural houses collected most of their water from the roof. In most areas this will allow almost as much as can be stored to be collected, usually in 20,000-litre tanks. The average family home without a swimming pool or irrigated garden usually makes do with one of these. 

Simple, one would think. But, for a start, there are tanks and there are tanks. The heavy duty concrete ones cost about $2800 to $4000 each depending on size. They are long-lasting but pre-cast ones can be installed on only straightforward sites. Their cost escalates if they have to be made on site for properties with more tricky terrain. 

Plastic tanks cost a little less, are lighter and more manoeuvrable but because light can penetrate are more susceptible to algal contamination. 

None are pretty, so consideration must be given to their placement and landscaping. 

And if it doesn't rain? Lloyd Steinbring of Waiheke Island admits: "The tank's been on the last few rungs for a while now. You just caught me outside doing a rain dance." 

He is considering whether drilling for water is a feasible option for him. 

Bore water is often the only long-term answer. Kevin Brown of Kiwi Well Drillers has been in the family business since he was 16. Operating on a "No water, no pay basis", the company started by his father about 55 years ago accounts for a large number of the bores dug from the Waikato north. 

"There's no better thing than experience. Using the geological maps we've developed over the years we can be pretty accurate in our predictions of where we'll find water and at what depth. About 60 per cent of the time it isn't necessary to do a site visit for the initial discussions - GPS is a wonderful tool, we map in the co-ordinates and that tells us a lot." 

He points out that while there is a capital outlay of about $15,000 to install a bore (including pump and plumbing), it is a great asset when it comes to selling, as a property with a secure water supply will always have the advantage over one reliant on rain water. 

"There's no such thing as normal when drilling though - every water is different in its chemical makeup and at the depth we find it. But I'll tell you one thing, if someone tells me they can find water by divining (with a forked stick and body magnetism) I'll take them on and win every time." 

But in some areas there is no ground water. Dairy Flat, just north of Auckland, and the Hokianga are cases in point. Here, tank water, and irrigation from streams and dams acting as reservoirs to catch storm run-off are the only options. 

All local authorities have regulations surrounding what is known as "water-take" and these will vary from region to region, so consult them first and build into the process as many water conservation measures as you can. 

Safety issues are also paramount. Geotech engineer Grant Crook, of Whangamata, advises, "Remember water is hugely heavy - consult an engineer and your local authorities about all the issues before starting anything. Care must be taken at all stages." 

Water conservation tips Consider watering your garden with your "grey water" from the bath, laundry and sink - plants don't mind it. 

If allowed, consider putting in a dam to capture run-off. 

Cover your swimming pool and shade your dam - it stops evaporation, which accounts for significant water loss, and helps maintain water quality.