Hutt mayors agree on need for water reform

Monday, 28 October 2024

The Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant is likely to be a priority for which ever Local Water Done Well water entity includes the Hutt councils.

The more the merrier. That is the view of both Hutt Valley mayors about the prospect of forming a Local Water Done Well entity to replace Wellington Water.

Both mayors agree that the status quo is not the answer and fixing problems like the stinky Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant requires the scale provided by a large new water entity.

Councils across the region are currently deciding which water entity they want to join.

A recent report by an advisory group drawn up by regional mayors and former Wellington City mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast, favoured an entity which included the four metropolitan councils, the three Wairarapa councils, Kāpiti and Horowhenua, as well as the regional council.

That is looking increasingly unlikely with the Wairarapa, Kāpiti and Horowhenua councils all exploring other options.

Hutt City mayor Campbell Barry and Upper Hutt’s Wayne Guppy agree that to get the best results, the new water entity must include as many councils as possible.

Hutt City mayor Campbell Barry, who chairs the regional Wellington Water Committee, said a large challenge faced the new water entity.

Going it alone was not an option and he said the advantage of “scale” proposed by the advisory report would allow it to tackle significant problems, including upgrading or replacing treatment plants like Seaview and Moa Pt.

“Those two plants must be their number one priority and be on the top of their to do list.”

Despite being a frequent critic of Wellington Water, Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy strongly supportedan entity, which included as many councils as possible.

“To get the maximum benefit, critical mass is important.”

The decision facing councils across the region wasone of the biggest decisions they would make, Guppy said.

“This is not about fixing things in the short term, this is about fixing things for the next 30 to 50 years.”

Hutt City has been plagued with leaks like this one in Maungaraki. At its current rate of renewal it will take the council more than 300 years to replace its leaky pipes.

The new entity would be able to borrow money against the water assets and take a multi-generational approach, something councils couldn’t do now.

Hutt City councillors will discuss their preferred option this week. A report by strategic advisor Bruce Hodgins recommendedtwo options, a Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) or the status quo with a council controlled organisation similar to Wellington Water.

Hodgins told councillors that going it alone was not on the table.

“A stand-alone option for Hutt City Council is not being considered on the basis that a larger scale water entity will better provide efficiency and enable an organisation with a critical mass to attract and retain experienced and highly qualified staff to manage a more regulated environment.”

The minimum option would involve a WSCCO with both Hutt councils.

Wellington Water chief adviser Wastewater Steve Hutchison explains plans to reduce odour at the Seaview treatment plant.

Once Hutt City councillors agree on their preferred option, the council will consult with residents.

Ratepayers can expect an annual charge of $3000 to $4000, which Barry acknowledged would not be popular.

That is why he favoured the previous government’s Three Waters proposal which did not put all the cost on to ratepayers.

Guppy hoped the new entity would be set up to allow councils to join at a later date.

Councils have until September 2025 to come up with a Water Services Delivery Plan, outlining their long term plan.

In releasing her recent report, Dame Kerry Prendergast said doing nothing was not an option.

“We won’t be able to build the 99,000 new homes that are needed across the region for a growing population. Our major wastewater treatment plants will continue to fall short of environmental standards and our drinking water supplies may be compromised.”

The report highlighted the dire state of pipes across the region, including the need to replace 1300km of concrete asbestos pipes, which are failing at an alarming rate.

About 21% of the total three waters pipe infrastructure is worn out. Wastewater is generally in the worst condition with about 33% of the pipes at the end of their life.

At the current rate of pipe renewal it will take Hutt City 371 years to replace its leaky pipes and Upper Hutt 233 years. Astonishingly it will take Wellington City 6388 years and Porirua 5325.

Hutt City will discuss options at a meeting on October 29 and Upper Hutt on November 6.