Dear Cody,

 

I refer to your request for information below. Responses to your questions are attached:

 

Please supply the drinking water safety plan.
We have decided to withhold this information under the following sections of the LGOIMA -

6(b) - to endanger the safety of any person

7(2)(c) protect information which is subject to an obligation of confidence or which any person has been or could be compelled to provide under the authority of any enactment, where the making available of the information—

(ii) would be likely otherwise to damage the public interest

 

While we note the district’s water supply has a high public interest, our water safety plan contains considerable technical detail about the water supply network. We are currently working on a summary version that would be available for public release.

Has a "Residual disinfection exemption" been applied for?

No, however we are working with Taumata Arowai to understand the format of an application.  At this stage we will be looking at water supply zone by zone application as we make the necessary improvements to our infrastructure, particularly our suction tanks and reservoirs. We are also considering an exemption application on a zone by zone basis rather than for the city supply as a whole.  Considerable information needs to be prepared to accompany the application.  TA website outlines this: https://www.taumataarowai.govt.nz/for-water-suppliers/exemptions/guidance-on-applying-for-an-exemption/

 

If not, what caused the delay? Further, what is the current expected timeframe for applying?

Staff have been working with Taumata Arowai on the application process and format and to date have made good progress. We don’t have an exact date however would expect the first application to be made within the next few months.

 

In the Council's view the reasons for withholding these details are not outweighed by public interest considerations in section 7(1) favouring their release.

 

You have the right to request the Ombudsman to review this decision. Complaints can be sent by email to [email address], by fax to (04) 471 2254, or by post to The Ombudsman, PO Box 10152, Wellington 6143.

 

Kind regards,

 

Sean

 

Sean Rainey Manager Official Information and Privacy Officer Official Information Team