Goal
To provide a water and wastewater infrastructure that meets the needs of the community, ensures a healthy standard of living, and minimises effects on the environment.
The Existing Situation Described
The existing stormwater system is limited to 5km of pipe within the central urban area, the remainder (around 40km) being open drains. In periods of heavy rain there can be surface flooding and infiltration to the sewerage system. Beach Road and South Bay have been identified as areas that would benefit from stormwater development.
To better understand the current stormwater networks and determine capacity limitations, stormwater catchment management plans will be developed over the following year.
Current Issues: Stormwater Infiltration
The Kaikoura District Council is currently checking every household within the urban area to see if stormwater runoff is entering the sewerage system. This is where rainwater from roofs is being diverted (via spouting and downpipes) directly into the sewerage gully traps instead of the correct stormwater system. This is causing major problems to the capacity and efficiency of the oxidation pond, and must be remedied as soon as possible.
Proposed Future Capital Works
Council intends to spend $50,000 over the next ten years to upgrade stormwater systems.
Who pays for the annual cost of stormwater?
Council has determined in its Revenue and Financing Policy that the provision of stormwater benefits not just those properties that are directly connected to the stormwater system, but the entire Kaikoura urban area. This is because the provision of stormwater means that the township is still accessible in periods of heavy rain, the economy is largely unaffected due to this accessibility - essentially the town as a whole is protected by providing stormwater to those areas that are prone to surface flooding.
For this reason, all properties within the Kaikoura urban area pay a Stormwater Rate. Click here for more information on this and other rates.
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