Waste Question On Water Usage

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32303, 22 May 1970, Page 14

Waste Question On Water Usage

Concern at proposals by Millers, Ltd, to use 120,000 gallons of water a day for cooling at a proposed new factory at Wairakei Road, and to discharge it into the drainage system, was expressed at a meeting of the Waimairi County Council last evening. The council, on the motion of Cr A. A. Adcock, decided to tell the North Canterbury Catchment Board, as regional water authority, of its concern at what might be undue wastage of » iter, that it objected to the application, and that whether the water was re-used or not, it should come from the council supply. The discussion arose from a recommendation from the works committee that the council withdraw its objection, and approve of the firm drawing the water from the; council supply for a limited! time.

Millers, Ltd, submitted modified plans, eliminating a scheme to discharge thermally polluted water underground, and to cut water use from 240,000 gallons a day to 120,000 gallons, discharging into the drainage system. There was a duty on the Catchment Board and the council to see that underground water was not wasted, said Cr I. Calvert. It was undesirable for industry to use so much water without recycling it. A geologist had estimated that demand for artesian water could match supply in from 10 to 40 years. “Another big processor pro-

poses to use 2m gallons a day for irrigation. Is that waste?” asked Cr. R. L. Harrow. Cr R. C. Neville said he knew cooling towers were very expensive. If the council was trying to weigh cash with usage, it should have more facts. The works committee had wondered whether it was justified, at this stage, in asking for a total prohibition, when that could come later if necessary, said the chairman (Mr D. B. Rich). The cost of recycling could be crippling. The county engineer (Mr A. J. W. Lamb), said the decision rested with the Catchment Board, which could refuse the application, or grant it on conditions.

“We should object to the waste of 120,000 gallons of water a day and should do so in similar cases,” said Cr Adcock. The board could be left to apply expert advice.