Council has today voted to adopt the Local Waters Combined Bylaw, following a period of public consultation.

The bylaw brings rules about drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and trade waste into one place, making it easier for businesses and the public to understand and comply with them.

It protects public health and safety, safeguards the environment and helps Horowhenua District plan for future growth.

While much of its content comes from combining existing bylaws there are changes, with the addition of stormwater regulations and a new registration requirement for businesses operating from trade premises.

The registration process and will allow Council to determine whether trade waste is being generated, in which case businesses will need to apply for a consent.

The new stormwater section introduces regulations to protect the stormwater network and the environment, including preventing contaminants being discharged into the network.

A common requirements section brings all information on water services including charges and payments and connection or disconnection from council networks into one bylaw, removing some previous inconsistencies.

There are also new rules around some water connections, for example introducing minimum pipe sizes.

‘The new Bylaw is relevant to many in our community, from businesses to homeowners and rural residents,’ says Chief Executive Monique Davidson.

‘I recommend everyone have a look at it.’

The bylaw replaces the previous Trade Waste Bylaw 2015 and Water Supply Bylaw 2020 as well as the revoked Wastewater Bylaw 2015.

It comes into effect immediately.

© Scoop Media