Additional water sampling costs will be included in Central Otago District Council’s operational budget for the annual and long-term plans.

At the council meeting at Alexandra last week (Wednesday April 19) councillors were briefed on these costs arising from the Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules. 

The new drinking water rules came into force on November 14, 2022, which meant new monitoring and sampling requirements for drinking water. 

Because of the timing, these costs were not budgeted for in the 2021 Long-Term Plan or 2022/23 Annual Plan.

The increased sampling cost is $25,870.45 per month, and for the seven months to June 30, 2023 the cost will be $181,093.15. 

The anticipated cost increase in 2023/24 is still uncertain until timeframes around the installation of continuous monitoring devices are known. 

Installation was approved at the January 23 council meeting, and a tender is being prepared for this work. 

If there are delays in materials, then the anticipated cost increase for the 2023/24 full year is $310,445.40.

The council approved the $181,093.15 costs for the 2022/23 year, which will be included in the 2023/24 Annual Plan. 

The council also approved the anticipated $310,445.40 costs for the 2023/24 year. The costs will come from the operational budget and be included in the Long-term Plan.

The new drinking water regulations spurred the Alexandra and Clyde water supply upgrade. 

Read more: Finishing touches applied to $16M drinking water upgrade

The $16M project is to be completed in May.