Multimillion-dollar dairy developments have been thrown into jeopardy by a report declaring seven areas in Canterbury off limits to further water extraction.
A major new study, released by the regional council, Environment Canterbury last week, concluded groundwater on most of the Canterbury Plains was fully allocated or near its limit.
The council's
regional planning committee, after considering the report, has recommended that no new groundwater rights be granted in the fully allocated zones (red zones) unless applicants proved the effects would be "minor".
The study throws major new dairy developments, such as those planned for Te Pirita, near Methven, into jeopardy. Te Pirita has been prime country for water-hungry dairying conversions but it is now in the heart of a red zone.
Nearly $18 million has been invested by owners of Lynton and Pine Grove Dairy Farms in the development of four farms milking 3000 cows in Te Pirita.
The farms are operating on a precarious temporary consent while they await a decision by Environment Canterbury for permission to pump 560 litres of water a second - equivalent to 65,000 Christchurch households' average use - from 10 wells.
At least three other farms nearby are also awaiting decisions on groundwater applications.
The red zones are: Ashburton-Lyndhurst, Ashley, Levels Plain, Rakaia-Selwyn (which includes Te Pirita), Rangitata-Orton, Valetta and Waimakariri.
Council chief executive Bryan Jenkins said Canterbury had to move away from the belief there was unlimited water. "It doesn't mean the final decision is made ... but if you want water from those zones further information is required."
- NZPA
