Restrictions on water ‘often hard to enforce’

Press, 11 October 1982, Page 4

Restrictions on water ‘often hard to enforce’

Conditions put on farmers wishing to draw water for irrigation from rivers were often difficult to enforce, a water right tribunal hearing has been told.

The tribunal was hearing an application to the North Canterbury Catchment Board by Mr A. J. Paterson to take 4896 cubic metres of water a day at the rate of 80 litres a second from the Hororata River for spray irrigation. The Ellesmere County Council objected to the application.

Mr A. H. Young, for the County Council, said that often conditions were put on farmers taking water for irrigation but enforcement was almost impossible. "Often the first we hear is when a farmer a couple of properties down complains about a lack of water and it may be a couple of days later," he said. The County Council said that it already faced difficulties in maintaining stockwater requirements in the

Hororata River during times of low flow and that the council considered it essential that the needs of existing users be protected and in particular that sufficient water to maintain the stockwater race system be retained at the council's two intakes.

Mr M. R. W. Adamson, representing Mr Paterson, said the property would respond significantly to water being applied, particularly in dry seasons. Mr Paterson did not have the financial resources to attempt to drill for water in an area of unknown depths and quantities. Mr Adamson said.

"It would be nothing short of financial disaster and a conclusion of their farming future to spend the capital required only to find a drv well." he said.

The hearing was before Dr B. P. J. Molloy (chairman), and Messrs O. J. Osborne and R. B. Johnson. Decision was reserved.