Pros and cons of scheme

Judging by the quantity [and quality] of your correspondence on the Wakamoekau Community Water Storage Scheme, this appears a fairly controversial project .

In fact one that even a child would have imagined to be a no-brainer for our much water constrained district, and one which has broadly positive benefits for almost everyone in the community, if the benefits are correctly factored in.

But, as that’s a purely philosophical judgement on my part, maybe its the devil in the detail which the nay-sayers are getting hung up about.

I wonder why?

Maybe the principle of pumping water uphill into a man-made lake is not such a bright idea, if a reservoir is to be created.

Or maybe we haven’t seen enough, or any other options to this seemingly extravagant idea, and venture.

So what is so wrong about using a major river as a reservoir, and constricting its flood peaks and using that stored “excess” for all the purposes known to man?

My grandad used to talk about an ideal, natural reservoir site, just south of the Mikimiki bridge, on the Ruamahanga, which would require less than 100 metres to fill the gap between the adjacent hill ridges.

This would provide a storage reservoir extending 10km of backed up lake water and could be constrained relatively cheaply.

This is still a very viable option – it hasn’t walked off.

I would suggest the following positives for it:

1. A massively enhanced public utility water supply.

2. Water available for power generation, especially over winter during high water flow/ high power demand.

3. A very good flood-water containment buffer, eliminating the costly flood control work undertaken over the full length of this major river.

4. A guaranteed supply of commercially available water for industry use and purchase. This will incentivise far greater industry prospects.

5. Recreational usage, 10km lakewater, wow, how good is that. A major local and tourist attraction.

6. Environmental enhancement. A major Wildlife refuge for waterborne flora and fauna.

Maybe there are also a few negatives that should be considered.

1. Loss of shingle, though that’s not an issue now that Greater Wellington Regional Council has stopped this activity.

2. The advent of mass hysteria by certain people who just don’t want anything to change, let alone see any societal progress at all.

Humans have always, and must continue to enhance and develop our natural endowments for the benefit of, and in keeping with our own ambitions and goals, and our environmental obligations.

This water project, done thoughtfully and in a manner in keeping with nature, can fulfil a tome of that betterment, and, I would suggest, at a far lower capital and running cost than this silly idea of pumping water uphill into a reservoir, with its limited applications.

This could be a serious alternative if people can get their heads around the idea. What do you think?

Maybe the principle of pumping water uphill into a manmade lake is not such a bright idea.