So it was a great day when council's new infrastructure manager, with a new attitude and skills to boot, presented a solution that was only 10 per cent of that price.
This $3m to $300k example proves that practical solutions are possible with excellent engineers and innovation. Tokomaru, Shannon and Levin now have A Grade water and Foxton is currently undergoing its upgrades.
Other water-related issues I have and will be advocating for over the next few years include:
- against fluoridation of the water supply;
- Lake Horowhenua, particularly the urban stormwater from the Queen Street drain;
- expectations of returns from bottled water exporting.
My view is that water is not a luxury item but rather a necessity for all life to function. The average human body is 60 per cent water and needs regular hydration. Water is for cooking, cleaning, washing, showering, swimming, growing food, flowers and more. Our biggest industries in New Zealand rely on water for production.
Water is considered liquid gold in some countries so it's critical that we determine what we want for our country in the future and then act on it - Water 2050.