We’re currently seeking feedback on your views on the water race system with particular focus on how it is used, what value it provides to you, and what your views are on how it is maintained and funded.
- What are water races?
- Why are we doing this?
- How can I take part?
- What else is the council doing as part of the consent application?
- Forms and Documents
What are water races?
The Carterton Rural District has just over 300 kilometres of man-made water races that feed water into two main systems, the Taratahi and the Carrington. The water race system was engineered and constructed some 100 years ago. This was to be the lifeline of the Taratahi Plains which before this had no natural water courses. The system is owned by the rate payers and administered by the council. The landowners who benefit from this pay an appropriate rate for the cleaning and maintenance of the system to ensure free passage when water flow is sufficient. The system also acts as a drainage way for storm water from our urban area.
Find out more about the system at our Water Races page.
Why are we doing this?
The Council is required to hold a current consent with Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) for the take and discharge of water for the water race system. The current consent expires in June 2023. We are busy compiling all the relevant information to finalise our consent application, however, a key component of this application is the views of the public on the value of our water races.
How can I take part?
- Survey opens: Thursday 2 March 2023
- Survey closes: Friday 17 March 2023
- Complete our online survey
- Download a printable version. Please print it out and return to us by 5pm Friday 17 March. This will need to be returned to our main Council office at 28 Holloway Street, or by post to PO Box 9, Carterton 5743.
- All our water race documents are available on our Water Race page.
What else is the council doing as part of the consent application?
- Stantec is assessing the overall networks and updating the water quality assessment.
- WSP is completing a water balance for Taratahi to evaluate the contribution for aquifer recharge and the impact on the wetlands identified in the area. Greg Butcher will be assisting with further gauging at some of the tail races.
Questions & Answers
- Q: What is meant by “piped reticulation”
- A: In this instance, a reticulated water system would be the the provision of water to livestock via a piped-water network, typically consisting of tanks, pumps, pipes and troughs.
- Q: What can I do if I need help with the survey, or need a paper copy?
- A: Call us on 06 379 4030, email info@cdc.govt.nz; or visit us at 28 Holloway St between 9am and 4pm on weekdays.
Forms and Documents
- Online survey [https://www.surveylegend.com/s/4rhn]
- Water Race survey [PDF format]
- Infographic: What is a water race? [PDF format]