Waipa District Council's decision not to proceed with a shared approach to water management is a lost opportunity for the region, Hamilton Mayor Andrew King said.
"Hamilton City Council has worked hard over recent years to be able to deliver the many benefits identified in a shared approach to managing water services. The proposal to establish a non-asset-owning shared waters management company was developed at the request of Waipa District Council, and endorsed by our council last year," he said.
"In December Waipa decided not to proceed with this model. They reconsidered the proposal again [last week], and have again elected not to proceed."
"Waipa District Council will not form a separate company to manage water and wastewater," it said. "Instead, council will continue to independently manage its own water operations.
"At a council meeting, elected members voted seven to six not to form a shared waters management company with Hamilton City Council."