A commitment from farmers and industrial water users is critical to release the final portion of Government funding earmarked to investigate and develop the Wakamoekau Community Water Storage Scheme in the hills northwest of Masterton, Wairarapa Water chief executive Robyn Wells says..
Earlier this year the Government said it would invest up to $800,000 through the Provincial Growth Fund in the project, subject to certain terms and conditions being met, because of its potential benefits across the Wairarapa community
To release the final $200,000 the community has to show its commitment by contributing $300,000.
To meet that farmers and industrial users are being asked for a combined $160,000 to top up the $140,000 already committed by local and regional councils.
Wells says it is the first time in nearly 20 years of water storage investigations in Wairarapa that direct beneficiaries are being asked to make a financial contribution.
“It has taken a long time to get to this point but in recent months the project has gained significant momentum. Depending on the level of funding achieved, consenting and procurement could get under way in the latter half of 2020 with construction starting in 2022.
“The stars are starting to align.”
It is vital that farmers and industrial water users make their interest known now because it could influence the final design of the scheme, she says.
The proposal is for a reservoir rather than a dam.
About 2.5km by 1.5km in size, it could hold up to 19 million cubic metres of water and supply about 28m cubic metres a year.
Water would be taken from the Waingawa River and Wakamoekau Stream.
Where the water will be supplied will depend on demand, Wells, a former North Otago Irrigation Project chief executive who took up her new role last month, said.
Water will be taken as far as possible while at the same time retaining affordability and clusters of farmers joining will influence its final design.
A series of meetings with potential water users is being held this month and next.
To reach those who might be interested sub catchment or pod group leaders are being identified, who will then call their neighbours to gauge interest.
Wells says that approach to spreading the word worked in the past to ensure credible feedback.
Wairarapa Water took over the project from Greater Wellington Regional Council in 2018 and has since concentrated on the Wakamoekau site.
The scheme attracted PGF support because it could address urban, environmental, industrial and food and fibre production water demand, driven by climate change pressures and rising environmental standards.
Wairarapa comes out at the extreme end of National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research climate change predictions, marked by hotter temperatures, lower rainfall on the valley floor and increased droughts, where one in 10-year events could become normal.
If the project goes ahead water stored in winter and released in summer will improve flows in rivers that have significantly reduced flows in summer.
Wells says there has already been some commitment by interested parties as they recognise how it could help future-proof their businesses.
“Securing a reliable water source for the future will help address some of the impacts of climate change, create new opportunities for the primary sector and build regional resilience.”
