$100,000 Water Savings In Porirua City Just The Beginning

Porirua City will be refunded nearly $100,000 after saving millions of litres of water.

The latest water account from Greater Wellington Regional Council includes a credit of $96,833 for the year thanks to a number of measures put in place in the last three years.

The Council reduced water pressure in the CBD, upped its leak detection technology and water flow monitoring and since 2008 introduced $1 million per annum in the Long Term Plan for pipeline renewals.

"The Council decided instead of spending money on maintaining old leaky pipes, it was better to invest in new assets that are better for the environment and the back pocket," says Water and Drainage Engineer Des Scrimgeour.

All the measures taken in the last three years also means the 2009 forecasted budget for bulk water for 2010/11 is now under budget by about $400,000. Plus maintenance costs have dropped by $200,000.

These significant savings will now be factored into the planning on infrastructure spending for the next 10-year plan.

Mayor Nick Leggett says the financial saving is fantastic and evidence of a job well done by the water assets team.

With the next round of Long Term Planning due to start later in the year, he is confident the Council will continue to include pipeline replacement as a priority.

"The Council recognises the importance of upgrading the city's core infrastructure and this year $2 million was included in the Annual Plan for sewer pipe renewals. Whether it's drinking water, wastewater or stormwater - all three networks need sound management and maintenance."

Water and Drainage Manager Phil Nordberg says keeping a close eye on the system and checking any discrepancies when they arise has also saved a lot of waste.

"We can compare usage from different catchments and if we see an increase somewhere, we ask why? It's important to be proactive to find the leaks.

"The result means that come 20 July, instead of writing a cheque to Greater Wellington we will be receiving one."

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