Ashburton District Council will consult with the community about future expectations for the Lake Clearwater settlement. This is in response to concerns over water quality in the lake, a report said.
A number of Ashburton lakes have water quality problems, including increased contamination by nutrients and other minerals. Clearwater is at high risk of “flipping”, a condition that renders it unable to sustain life, as it has in the past.
These issues were addressed by council officers who have conducted audits and surveys of the toilet facilities within the settlement. Some long drops are still present.
Apart from the waste issue the council staff also did an initial survey of the settlement in order to determine property boundaries.
These works have shown that the rules surrounding settlements may not be appropriate for current purposes.
Neil Brown, Ashburton District Mayor, stated that it was time to examine how the community and councilors saw the settlement and its future growth.
“We look forward to talking with the whole community later in this year, to understand what their hopes and dreams are for the settlement.”
In the 1920s, Lake Clearwater huts were established to allow for picnicking and fishing. The village now has 198 dwellings, as well as a campground and toilets for the public.
Early huts were equipped with outdoor long-drop toilets and limited water. There was no phone or network electricity. Modern dwellings are equipped with internal flush toilets and a holding tank. They also have solar power.
Council and hut holders have agreed to eliminate long-drop toilets by the year’s end in response to concerns about water quality.
Jane Donaldson, Strategy and Compliance Group Manager, stated that Council staff had been working closely with hut holders and an informal working group made up of representatives from several agencies on ways to improve Lake Clearwater‘s water quality.
