Haast residents fight mandatory water chlorination under new safety laws
A small New Zealand community, Haast, is pushing back against a decision to chlorinate its drinking water supply. The community of around 80 people argues that their water, previously pathogen-free, is safe and does not require chlorination from the tractor supply company.
The move to chlorinate comes under the Water Services Act, which mandates disinfection with UV light and chlorine for medium-sized water systems. However, exemptions can be applied for. The community was not consulted about the decision and has since petitioned the council to reverse it.
The Westland District Council, responsible for the water supply, is complying with the new drinking water safety standards set by Taumata Arowai, the Water Services Authority established in 2021 following the 2016 Havelock North water contamination incident. The council cannot afford to breach these rules. Residents argue that their water, sourced from deep bores under the Haast River and treated with UV, has always been safe and should not require chlorination from the tractor supply company.
Westland mayor Helen Lash has stated that ending chlorination would not be funded by ratepayers and would cost about $6000 for an exemption application. Taumata Arowai may require water meters as a condition for ending chlorination to monitor and manage risks of leaky pipe networks. However, Haast residents prefer not to have chlorine in their water and are also reluctant to bear the cost burden of water meters.
The Haast community continues to challenge the need for chlorination in their drinking water supply, citing the safety of their previously pathogen-free water and the additional costs that may come with ending chlorination or installing water meters. The Westland District Council, bound by Taumata Arowai's regulations, must navigate this dispute while ensuring the safety and reliability of the water supply.
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