Wellington water: Buying water tanks, bottles, could break those already struggling - advocates

Friday, 19 January 2024

As the Wellington water crisis continues to escalate, the City Council are recommending people either buy water tanks or fill up a large quantity of water bottles ahead of potential indoor restrictions - but these costs could break the budget of those already struggling, advocates say.

The Wellington City, Porirua City, Hutt City and Upper Hutt City moved to level 2 water restrictions on Wednesday, with the councils already preparing for the potential move to level 4, which would reduce indoor usage.

In its latest leaks update, Wellington Water reported it fixed 552 leaks in December, of which 42 were considered to be urgent and another 44 high priority.

Barnados, a child and family social service provider, CEO Matt Reid said they were concerned about any additional costs imposed on whānau who are already struggling to put food on the table and buy school supplies for their tamariki who are about to start school.

Across the service, not being able to afford the basics is one of the biggest stress factors for families, he said.

Wellingtonians were being asked to store around 140L per person per week (file photo)

“Unexpected bills create additional stress and pressure for whānau.”

All families should have the right to access the servies they need, including clean, safe drinking water and wastewater systems, Reid said.

Advocate Miles Lacey, NZ Beneficiaries and Unemployed Workers Union, said nearly everyone on the benefit is already struggling to pay just their basic expenses.

“Trying to find $115 for a water storage tank would break their budgets.”

Many people who are on the benefit or unemployed live in temporary accommodation, like caravans, tents, cars or vans, he said, which raises the question of where they are meant to store the water.

Experiencing problems with the Wellington water restrictions? Email ryan.anderson@stuff.co.nz

“Although Special Needs Grants can be provided for the delivery and filling of water tanks this can only be applied for if it’s the tenant’s responsibility to fill their water tank or if they own a home with a water tank.”

Wellington Water staff have been working across the city as leaks continue to pop up

As water tanks are being recommended, and not a necessity, it is unlikely Work and Income will provide assistance, Lacey said.

On Thursday evening, the cheapest option to get the recommended 140L of water per person, per week, at Countdown came in a total of $84.

Asked about how low income earners were supposed to afford water tanks or mass-buying water bottles, a WCC spokesperson said people didn’t need to buy tanks and could just use plastic bottles or smaller containers.

When asked again to answer how those struggling were supposed to afford those containers or bottles, the WCC spokesperson would not elaborate.

The spokesperson said that, if necessary, an alternative emergency water supply could be made available - and would likely involve using portable water tanks to distribute to residents.

A Te Whatu Ora spokesperson said in order to safely store water in bottles the advice was to first rinse them thoroughly in hot water.

Then, you had to fill the containers till they overflowed and add five drops of plain household bleach per litre of water, they said. The water can’t be consumed for at least 30 minutes.

After checking there are no gaps for air, the bottles had to be stored in a cool, dark place, they said.