Questions & Answers

What is the Water Resources Management Plan?

It is a document prepared under a statutory process introduced by the Water Act 2003. It is prepared every five years and demonstrates how we plan to supply enough water to meet demand over the next 25 years.

What's the process?

We consulted with our statutory stakeholders between April and August 2008 to gather views and establish key issues regarding the Plan. The next stage is the preparation and publication of our revised Plan and Statement of Response. In our Statement of Response we state the changes that we have made to our Plan as a result of the representations that we received during the consultation process.

Major challenges such as climate change and leakage can be overcome to ensure that no harm is brought to the environment and surrounding wildlife through careful forward planning of the supply-demand balance. To achieve this, a range of highly detailed technical appraisals using recognised industry best practise techniques are carried out. Consideration of current and future risks in supply, and demand have been the integral part of this planning process. This forms the basis of our supply, risk and demand forecasts and correlates with our Drought Management Plan, and with financial models used for assessments of our regulated costs.

Part of the process of maintaining an adequate supply to our customers in the most cost effective way requires using a "TWIN TRACK" approach.

Demand Management + Development of sustainable sources

This approach utilises demand management using extensive water metering and the promotion of water efficiency and, where appropriate, the development of sustainable local water resources. It also requires forecast reduction in leakage levels through leakage control, metering, and increased water mains renewals.

What do the plans cover?

The Water Resources Management Plan covers topics such as climate change and population growth and the associated impact this may have on water supply in the next 25 years. The Plan covers many subjects asto provide you with the knowledge and understanding of how these issues will be overcome and how we aim to supply water to our customers over the next 25 years.

How can I get hold of a copy of the plans?