4 April 2007
New rules implemented this week through amendments to the Water Act will force water suppliers to issue their plans 25 years in advance and force them to listen to the public's concerns.
Reported on edie.net, the changes to the Water Act, water suppliers will now have to produce a quarter-decade report every five years on its plans for the future, including those to do with waste management, water-saving initiatives and water resource building.
As part of these changes, the plans will be open to public consultation, meaning members of the public will be given a chance to voice any opinions or votes of opposition against the suppliers' ideas.
Environment Minister Ian Pearson commented: "It is right that customers should have a say in how water resources are managed in their area, which is why I am pleased the changes we introduced in the Water Act now mean the public have to be consulted before plans are finalised.
"The plans will describe how each company aims to secure a sustainable supply-demand balance for the public water supply over the next 25 years.
"It is essential that this includes an appraisal of the major challenges ahead from climate change, population growth and housing demand," he added.
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