Christchurch water

A number of wells providing water for Christchurch city were damaged during the September 4th earthquake.

Christchurch residents are fortunate. The water that comes out of taps in people’s homes is pure and natural because it comes from under the ground. It is not treated with any chemicals because the layers of rock and gravel under the ground filter the water, making it clean. Residents are also fortunate because they do not pay extra for the water they use. Their rates, which are city taxes, include water.

There are many wells around the city where water is pumped up from the ground. Some wells are shallow – about 20 m deep – while others are deeper – about 200m deep. About 10% of these wells are broken and need to be replaced. Another 44 are damaged and need to be repaired. But this takes time.

Meanwhile, Christchurch residents have to be careful not to use too much water on their gardens this summer. Christchurch is called “The Garden City” because so many people have flower gardens and vegetable gardens. When the weather is hot, gardeners want to turn on the hose; however, if they use too much water, there will be restrictions on when people can hose their garden.

Questions

1. People in some areas – like Auckland – pay extra for their water, not as part of their rates. The more they use, the more they pay. Some people feel that water is a “right” and should be free. What do you think?

2. How can people save water?

3. Before the earthquake, there was enough water in Christchurch for everyone but what about the future? If the population grows, how can we make sure there is enough water?

4. Many people worry about the amount of water that is used by the dairy industry in Canterbury to make the grass grow. Should farmers pay for water?

Note: There are 172 wells in Christchurch – 44 are slightly damaged and 10% are badly damaged.