Editorial: Is waste perception worse than reality?

Rotorua waste water treatment plant. Photo/Supplied

According to our deputy mayor, treated effluent from Rotorua's proposed wastewater treatment plant will be cleaner than water entering Lake Rotorua from streams in the catchment.

We reported those comments yesterday, following a unanimous vote by the Rotorua Lakes Council's Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee to proceed with a plant upgrade plan that includes eventual discharge into the lake - although they will continue to consult and look at other options.

I had a couple of reactions after reading Dave Donaldson's comments. One, to wonder what that says about the health of our streams? And two, to pause, put aside the kneejerk reaction many have when they hear "sewage going into the lake" and consider whether the perception is worse than the reality.

No one likes to think about what happens to what they flush down the toilet.

We also don't like to think about that waste ending up in a lake we may swim in, eat fish from and play on.

However our leaders are telling us the waste will be so heavily treated that the water that makes its way into the lake will be cleaner than the water from the Awahou Stream, the most pristine stream in the Rotorua catchment. So is it really that bad?

The council has consulted with iwi and taken into account cultural sensitivities around the plan. Te Tatau o Te Arawa board members Ana Morrison and Eugene Berryman-Kamp were among those who voted for the plan to proceed.

The waste has to go somewhere and at a cost of $29 million versus $54 million for the alternative, it would appear on the face of it to be a reasoned decision by a council that is often criticised for overspending.

In saying that, I admit I don't know how I would feel about swimming in the lake after the upgrade. Such is the strength of perception.