Hopkins stands by viewpoint

• Published date: 19 April 2024
• Publication title: Oamaru Mail

Last month councillors agreed to go ahead with plans to meet Taumata Arowai’s new water treatment standards, but many expressed concern about not having enough time to explore other options

Seven of Waitaki’s water sources must be upgraded to filter any potential protozoa — single-cell organisms that can be parasitic — by the end of the year. A plan needs to be confirmed and funded by the end of June.

Taumata Arowai has the power to take enforcement action against councils that do not meet the deadline.

The strongest critic at the meeting was Councillor Jim Hopkins, who said council staff were ‘‘being bullied by a government agency that is using a big stick and threatening’’.

A Taumata Arowai spokesman said it was surprised by the views expressed by councillors.

‘‘We understand that the best solution to put in place can differ from supply to supply.

‘‘Unfortunately, no single barrier or treatment is effective against all sources of contamination ... that is why a multi-barrier approach is critical.’’

It had offered to meet councillors to hear their concerns and questions first hand.

‘‘We both want safe drinking water for the communities of Waitaki.

‘‘A conversation about how best to phase the work and ensure the most cost-effective solutions are identified is a sensible way to achieve that.’’

It praised the council for being proactive in exploring treatment options and placing boil water notices on supplies without a protozoa barrier...