An in-house, stand-alone business unit is proposed to deliver water services in Mid Canterbury in the future.
The Ashburton District Council is poised to discuss the matter at its meeting on Wednesday.
The council plans to consult the community about its chosen service model, as well as an alternative model, a Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO).
Under the Local Water Done Well reforms, the council must have a Water Services Delivery Plan that is financially sustainable and will ensure infrastructure meets drinking water standards, and deliver the plan to the Government by September 3.
Democracy and engagement group manager Toni Durham said the council was ready to talk with the community about its proposed service model.
“The reforms are all about ensuring water services are delivered efficiently and to meet the needs of local communities while considering things like population growth, environmental challenges, and the condition of existing infrastructure.
“There is also more stringent water quality standards, environmental standards, and pricing to protect public health.”
Durham said councillors will decide on confirming the proposal for public consultation on Wednesday
“The community would then expect to see that consultation in their letterboxes and online around the end of March, and feedback will be open until April 27.”
The council operates 10 community drinking water supplies across the district, servicing about 70% of the district’s population of 37,000.
It also operates wastewater networks and treatment facilities, and a stormwater network in Ashburton, Methven, and Rakaia.
A stand alone business unit would be 100% council owned, reporting to elected councillors who would determine how water services were charged.
The councillors previously discounted partnering with EA Networks to deliver three waters services, wanting to retain as much control and oversight of the future delivery model as possible.
READ MORE: Mid Canterbury’s three waters future in the pipeline
The full water services report is available as part of the council’s agenda for Wednesday’s meeting.
