Waimea Weekly Locally Owned and Operated
Wednesday 2 June 2021
Page 9
Page 28
House selling for $1
End to an unbeaten run
Richmond water to stay chlorinated Jo Kent Reporter
jo@waimeaweekly.co.nz
A final decision has been made to permanently chlorinate the water supplies across Richmond and the whole of the Tasman district, in a bid to provide safer drinking water for residents. It’s a controversial move that has been in the pipeline for some time, with councillors now in agreement to use chlorine to provide residual disinfection of all council water supplies. Chris Choat, community relations manager for Tasman District Council, says, “We began community consultation on the proposal last year and received 101 submissions - 90 of which were opposed to permanent chlorination. In the interim, the Government has drafted legislation that makes residual disinfection mandatory, and it’s expected to come into play during the second half of 2021.” The Richmond water supply has been temporarily chlorinated since early December when work on the Champion Road roundabout started. That was then continued while reservoir roofs were upgraded after a water test in March detected the presence of E. coli. The chlorination will now be kept
ongoing permanently. The decision will come as a disappointment to some who are sensitive to the taste of chlorinated water and also the smell. Local resident Steve Judge says, “When I have a shower in the morning, I’m instantly aware of the strong smell of chlorine, like I’m at the local swimming baths. And my tap water is not nice to drink.” Chlorine deactivates bacteria and some viruses that may be introduced to water as it flows through the reticulated network. It’s added to the water automatically at the water treatment plant. It is expected that the chlorine level leaving the plant will be between 0.3ppm-0.5ppm (0.3mg/l-0.5mg/l). “Safe drinking water for every household in Tasman is a priority. The main advantage chlorine provides is protection across the entire network – from treatment plant to tap. No other barrier provides this protection,” says Chris. “Chlorine treatment of water has been used around the world for more than a century and is proven by science as a safe and effective water disinfectant.” Many council supplies are already chlorinated, including Wakefield, Brightwater, Murchison and MapuaRuby Bay. Motueka will be chlorinated once the Parker Street water treatment plant is operational later this year.
Up, up and away
Teachers Denise Shellock and Jo Simpson enjoying a ride in the hot-air balloon. Photo: Jenny Nicholson.
See page 4
Restore your faded and oxidized garage door and window joinery Premium surface restoration and protective coating solutions for garage doors and window joinery.
Phone Richard 027 284 0598 nelson@nanoclear.co.nz Additional copies $1
www.nanoclear.co.nz
100% locally owned and operated
www.waimeaweekly.co.nz