Residents interested in Council’s work to exit its stockwater delivery service can now read three investigation reports related to Pudding Hill, the first of 17 stockwater intakes under consideration.

The reports are:

• An ecological snapshot of the network in March this year, detailing water quality and species present, including the threatened Canterbury Galaxias and the Longfin Eel
• A manawhenua assessment of the intake race network, which raised concerns about the mixing of water from different water bodies
• A water balance report, which looks at flows in the Mt Harding Creek network and how they are impacted by stockwater

The three reports were also presented to Council’s Stockwater Transition Working Group Committee this week.

Chair Richard Wilson said users of the Pudding Hill intake had already been surveyed to see if they had an alternative water source if the race closed.

“We’ve also taken the pulse of the wider community to see their thoughts and now this intake will move into the next phase, which is ensuring those who still need an alternate water source have one and in this case is looks to be the community Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation scheme.

“This is the first intake under consideration and we are happy with the methodology, which is being repeated for each intake.

“We’ve also listened carefully to residents at our drop-in sessions and have heard their questions about whether these intakes need a fish screen. So, we’ve asked Environment Canterbury to clarify that point, as Council believes fish screens would be necessary if the intakes were to remain.”

The committee also heard ecological, cultural and stormwater assessments were in train for the Methven Auxiliary and Bushside intakes.

Stoney Creek stockwater users have been surveyed and the wider community has until 30 June to add their thoughts. Users of Limestone Creek have just been sent survey letters and users of the Brothers Intake will soon receive theirs.

Cr Wilson said the three reports prepared for Pudding Hill made for interesting reading and would help residents see the scope of work being undertaken.

“We know Council’s decision to exit its stockwater service by 2027 will mean changes for some of our current stockwater users and we want them to be as informed as possible.”

The Stockwater Transition Working Group meets next on 21 August.

Read BECA’s Pudding Hill Stockwater Race Network Ecological Snapshot

Read AECL’s Manawhenua Assesment of the Pudding Hill Intake Stockwater Race

Read Aqualinc’s Memorandum – Mt Harding Creek Water Balance Investigation

You can read Stockwater Exit Transition Plan here, and ask questions at stockwater@adc.govt.nz