Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

Bay of Plenty Regional Council manages water allocation – whether it's used for irrigation, industry, drinking water (municipal supplies) or generating electricity.

This includes water in our streams and underground aquifers. In 2013, nearly two-thirds of our streams and 20 per cent of our aquifers were already allocated above current limits in the western Bay. Future predictions suggest more water is needed to meet the needs of our growing population and economy – one study suggested that within 50 years water demand in the western Bay would double. The Regional Council is reviewing its water allocation framework to help manage water sustainability, and has drafted some revised policies and rules for water quantity. Council is seeking feedback on these and on wider water issues before we begin a more formal process to change the allocation rules in its Water and Land Plan. A consultation process is underway.

You can check out the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website at www.boprc.govt.nz to access factsheets on the process, to see the draft Water Quantity Plan Change, and to find out when public meetings are being held.

If you have any views on this or any other issue, please contact me on neesj@xtra.co.nz or ring me on 07 579-5150.