Network Utility Indicators (what we measure)

Overview

Council aims to provide effective and environmentally efficient water, stormwater and sewage reticulation and treatment to meet the needs of our communities. Council provides network utilities to houses and businesses within the district.

Works and network utilities provide services essential to our social and economic well being, and to our health and safety. Other utilities in our district include electricity and telecommunications.

While there are positive effects to infrastructure, works and network utilities may potentially have some negative effects on the community and our environment. These are addressed through resource consent conditions that aim to remedy, mitigate and avoid any adverse effects of activities. There could also be negative social, economic and environmental effects if these works and infrastructure services were not provided.

A summary of our situation;

Water

The total quantity of water being consumed in Matamata-Piako District has increased significantly over the last few years. In the following table a cubic meter (m3) = 1000 litres.

Due to generally mild summers and frequent rain there had been no major water shortages in the District from 2000-2006. Short term water restrictions were imposed in Te Aroha and Tahuna in 2000/01 and again in Te Aroha, Tahuna and Te Poi in 2002/03. In 2007/08 and 2008/09 due to extremely dry weather, sprinkler bans were put in place for approximately one month both years.

The restrictions related to either dwindling raw water sources or short term peak demands during the height of summer. The capacity of the Te Aroha Water Treatment Plant was significantly increased in 2004/05 and a new 5000m3 treated water reservoir was completed in 2006.