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WATER A HOUSEHOLD GUIDE TO IMPROVING WATER QUALITY AND MANAGING WATER USE IN HAMILTON

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TABLE OF We tend to take water for granted, expecting clean

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drinking water when we turn on a tap and safe water for our recreational activities. But how many

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of us understand the realities of managing our water use, or understand how the impacts of our everyday

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activities affect water supply and quality?

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The purpose of this booklet is to improve community knowledge of the water cycle and how

Our Watery World ................................................. The Natural Water Cycle ........................................ Good Clean Water? ...............................................

RIVER TO THE TAP

management in Hamilton city. It is written with

(Hamilton’s Water Supply) ...................................... Why We Need To Conserve Water ........................ Drinking Water ....................................................... How Much Water Do We Use? .............................. Where Does All the Water Go? .............................. WHAT CAN YOU DO? .......................................... Conserving Water at Home .................................... Take the Water Wise Test: Water Conservation ..... New Zealand. A Valuable Body of Water ...............

the activities of a household, may in turn impact

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upon the region’s water resources. This booklet will help you identify important contributions that you can make to ensuring our

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water resources are looked after as they need to be.

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The Importance of Water in Hamilton .................... 5 The Importance of Water to Maori ........................ 5 Hamilton’s Water Cycle .......................................... 6 The Water Cycle in Hamilton ................................. 8 The Waikato River Catchment ............................... 10 How Clean Is the Waikato River ............................. 11

this cycle interconnects with water and wastewater direct relevance to our daily lives and explains how

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CONTENTS

18 The Treatment Process ........................................... 18 Maori Beliefs in Wastewater Disposal ..................... 19 WHAT CAN YOU DO? .......................................... 19

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WASTEWATER TREATMENT ...........

Stormy Waters - The Issues with Stormwater ......... How Does Stormwater Become Polluted? .............. On the Street ......................................................... On the Footpath .................................................... Around the Home .................................................. In the Garden ........................................................ Stemming Stormwater From the Start .................... Hey, We Live Down Here! ..................................... WHAT CAN YOU DO? .......................................... Saving the Stormwater Drain for Rain .................... Take the Water Wise Test: Stormwater ................... Waikato Water Story .............................................

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Water is the most common substance on Earth! Over two thirds of the surface of the planet is covered by water. Surely there should be plenty of water for everyone! Actually, only a tiny percentage of this seemingly abundant water is usable; ● 99% of the world’s water is either seawater or ice ● much of the 0.6% that's left is too deep underground to extract or too polluted for drinking. Unpolluted fresh water is becoming more and more scarce. Since all living things depend on water to survive, the little water that we do have is very precious. We can’t make water, so we must recycle what we have.

THE NATURAL WATER CYCLE Did you realise that the same water that existed on earth millions of years ago is still being recycled around the planet today? The water you cleaned your teeth with this morning could contain a water molecule that was drunk by a dinosaur millions of years ago. The process of recycling water happens through the natural water cycle. Water moves around in the water cycle as part of an interconnected system, from rain to streams and rivers, groundwater, the sea, clouds, and back to rain again. Water evaporates from the surface of the earth and water bodies. Water condenses in the atmosphere forming clouds. Eventually these clouds become saturated and the water falls as rain, hail or snow back to earth’s surface in a process known as precipitation. Most of this water flows into and over the ground, moving through the soil and recharging groundwater or replenishing rivers and lakes. Eventually this water will flow to the ocean where it will begin the water cycle again. When water is evaporated, it is also purified. Imagine a puddle of dirty water with oil, chemicals and other pollutants dissolved in it. On a hot day this puddle will disappear leaving behind a dirty residue on the ground. The water has evaporated to the atmosphere as pure water vapour leaving behind most of the pollutants that were present in the puddle. This is how water is cleansed and cycled around the earth. However, this doesn’t mean that we have an endless supply of good clean water.

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STORMWATER IN HAMILTON ....

WATERY WORLD

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THE IMPORTANCE OF

WATER IN HAMILTON

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Although not on the coast, Hamilton has a number of important water resources. The Waikato River flows through the middle of the city, joined by a number of streams that flow out of Hamilton’s vast network of gullies. There are also a number of shallow peat lakes and a small wetland within the city boundaries.

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Hamilton’s water resources are important for many reasons: ● They provide habitats (places to live and grow) for plants and animals. ● They are a place to swim, fish, boat or just to relax in and enjoy their visual beauty. ● They are highly treasured by Maori and have important cultural and spiritual significance. ● The gully streams provide many services including channeling water from urban and rural areas into the river.

GOOD

CLEAN

WATER?

Water can become contaminated at various stages of the water cycle. As droplets of water pass through the atmosphere they pick up very small air-borne particles, such as fumes from cars and industries and carry them to the earth's surface. On land, water picks up pollutants as it passes through the landscape, over and through soil, polluting groundwater, river and lakes. Contaminants include animal urine and faeces, agricultural chemicals and fertilisers, run off from roads or stormwater, and wastewater discharges from towns and cities. Many of these substances can make water unsuitable for drinking, unsuitable for recreational use and unhealthy for plants and animals. 4

NO WATER TO WASTE Unfortunately, people and the way they use water have had a huge impact on water quality and availability. You may not realise it, but we all affect water quality in some way almost every day. Water is essential to our survival, so we must treat it as the precious resource that it is by being aware of our own impacts and by following good practices in and around our homes.

The Waikato River is also important because it: ● Provides the water we use in our homes, schools, offices, businesses, industry and agriculture. ● Receives treated wastewater from the city. ● Is used to generate the electricity that powers our lives from the nine hydro power stations (dams) built along the river. For Hamiltonians the health and well-being of the Waikato River is essential to the quality of our lives.

In 2000, Hamilton residents were surveyed to find out what they thought was the most important environmental issue facing the city. The survey showed that people were most concerned about water quality and water pollution.

THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER TO

MAORI

Maori have strong cultural, traditional and historic links with wetlands and inland waterways, including lakes, rivers, streams and springs. These taonga (treasures) are spiritually significant and closely linked to the identities of the tangata whenua (people of the land).

of the water would ensure longevity of the Mauri and resource of that particular area.

There are many customary practices involving water, associated with good health and religious practices. Rahui (prohibition) were often imposed to prohibit entry (for example following a death by drowning) or to safe guard a key area of water, such as a customary fishing area preserved for seasonal use.

1. It is considered unhygienic to wash tea towels, hats, pillowslips or tablecloths in the same washing water as underwear and nappies.

Rahui were often put in place to maintain the Mauri (life force) of a location. Particularly in sites where there was an abundance of fresh water and Kai (food). Such areas were placed under Rahui, sustaining their Mauri and thereby protecting and managing a resource which was necessary for the sustenance and survival of the tribe. Streams and waterways in these locations were closely watched to ensure that no effluents were discharged into the area, so that the protective deities

3. Urinating in streams is forbidden.

Ancient Maori observed a number of other customs, some of which are still observed today.

2. Dishwashing water is not discharged into streams where eels, watercress or the other traditional foods are gathered. 4. The water from fresh water springs used for sacred rituals must not be used for domestic purposes. 5. Bowls used for food preparation were never used for washing ones body. 6. Swimming in, or gathering food from streams or other parts of the river where tribal Taniwha (spiritual beings) lived was prohibited. 5

WATER CYCLE

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THE WATER CYCLE IN

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Water is an important part of our daily activities. In our homes we use water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, flushing the toilet, watering the garden and washing (ourselves, our clothes, our cars and our houses). Water is used for fire fighting, irrigating pastures and crops, sustaining livestock, and in industrial and manufacturing processes. We use water in vast amounts every day! But how many of us, when we turn on a tap, think about the long journey that water has made to get to us, and the journey it will make as it vanishes down the plughole. Do we know enough about the part we play in this journey, and understand the effects of our daily activities on the water in our environment?

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This section of the booklet looks at Hamilton’s water cycle and will help to answer the following questions. Where does water come from and how does it get to my tap? What happens to it when it disappears down the plughole? How does my use of water affect our rivers and lakes?

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To help you visualise some of the complex networks and paths that water travels in the city, the diagram on the previous page shows the key features in Hamilton’s water cycle. The diagram shows Hamilton city’s water cycle as a small part of the much larger natural water cycle. It includes, interwoven into the natural cycle, a network of water pipes and drainage systems. These systems have been built so that people can divert water from the natural water cycle for our own use, before returning it to the cycle. Can you track these systems?

many ways before it disappears down the plughole or is flushed down the toilet into a network of wastewater pipes. These pipes take our wastewater to the Wastewater Treatment Plant where it undergoes a complex series of treatment processes before the treated effluent is discharged back into the Waikato River. See page 18 to find out more.

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B. We use this water in

A. The water cycle in

C. The stormwater network is the other part of Hamilton’s water cycle. When it rains, water runs off the city’s roads, car parks, driveways, rooftops and paths and into gutters and stormwater catchpits. This water then travels through a network of stormwater drains and into the nearest natural waterway. See page 20 to find out more.

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Hamilton begins at the Waikato River where water is taken by the Water Treatment Station, treated so that it is safe to drink, and then piped to the city’s homes, businesses and factories. See page 12 to find out more.

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It's easy to see how important the Waikato River is to Hamilton, and for supplying the city with water. But where does the water in the Waikato River come from, and what has happened to it in its journey before reaching Hamilton? The Waikato River is New Zealand’s longest river extending 425km from Lake Taupo to its final destination at Port Waikato on the west coast. As it winds through the landscape, the Waikato River collects the water that drains off farms and forests, from the towns and cities that it passes through and alongside, and from streams and other rivers that empty into it. The land area draining into the Waikato River is known as the river catchment, and covers a huge 14,260km2.

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CATCHMENT

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THE WAIKATO RIVER

How our river gets polluted Water draining from this catchment into the river brings with it sediment, chemicals, heavy metals, nutrients, oil, detergents, farm effluent and wastewater. Some of these pollutants settle in the river sediment. Other pollutants accumulate and impact on the water quality of the Waikato River. Some of the discharges into the river come from an identifiable point such as a pipe. These point source discharges are from places like wastewater treatment plants and factories. Fortunately they can be monitored and traced so that pollution of the river can be prevented. Unfortunately, there are many discharges from non-point sources, such as ground water, where the source of the pollution is unknown. These discharges pose a bigger problem than point source discharges, as it is harder to stop this form of pollution happening. Non-point source discharges are the biggest form of pollution of the Waikato River and include surface runoff and groundwater flow from farmland. Stormwater runoff from streets and urban areas can also be classed as non-point source discharges as it is difficult to determine where the pollutants in the stormwater actually originated. 10

HOW

CLEAN IS THE WAIKATO RIVER?

Despite being the most intensively used river in the country, the Waikato River's water quality is considered to be good compared to other rivers around the world. However there are times when water quality in some parts of the river is substandard. This poor water quality may be a result of discharges into the river, weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, or from negative impacts of land use activities such as farming and horticulture within the Waikato River catchment.

Stormwater Runoff from cities and towns is probably the second most significant non-point source of contaminants to the Waikato River. Although some mechanisms such as grease traps exist to prevent some of the contaminants in stormwater from entering the river, stormwater does have an impact on river water quality. Sometimes stormwater can get into the wastewater system, usually through illegal connections.

Rural land use Farming is probably the main non-point source of contaminants to the Waikato River. Fertiliser and the urine from farm animals on pasture leaches into groundwater and eventually flows into the river. This water is high in nutrients, which accelerates the growth of nuisance aquatic plants, out-competing native plant species and choking waterways, especially during summer.

Urban and industrial wastewater Point source discharges from industry are comparatively minor, and the source of this pollution is usually identifiable. In addition, wastewater treatment has improved considerably over the last two decades. Discharges of treated wastewater from wastewater treatment plants along the river are monitored to ensure that the treated effluent has minimal impact on the river water quality.

Water clarity Sediment flowing into the river from streams and tributaries also reduces water clarity. Water clarity declines remarkably the further down the Waikato River you go. In Lake Taupo you can see underwater for over 10 metres, while in Hamilton this under water visibility reduces to only 1-2 metres. At Mercer you can hardly see your feet when standing in the water!

Geothermal influence Arsenic is a pollutant present in the Waikato River that comes from geothermal activity in the upper reaches of the river. Hamilton's Water Treatment Station treats for arsenic, leaving the water safe to drink. Hydro lakes and algal growth The hydro power stations along the upper Waikato River also affect water clarity. Before these dams were built, it took six days for a drop of water to reach the sea from Lake Taupo. Now it takes a month! The increased time that water is held in dams allows the growth of algal cells, especially during hot and sunny weather. These algae make the water look green and murky.

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G N I L I IN GV L I V S AU SI T NA I AN AB B LL E E

Hamilton’s Water Treatment Station takes water from the Waikato River. The Water Treatment Station is located on the banks of the Waikato River opposite the Hamilton Gardens, and can produce up to 90 million litres of high quality drinking water everyday. That’s a lot of water!

However, the amount of water we take from the Waikato River is very small, less than 1% of the river flow, even on record demand days. There are a number of stages in the process of getting water from the Waikato River to our taps. ● First the water that is taken from the river is screened to prevent fish, birds, branches and leaves from getting into the system. ● A chemical coagulant and polyelectrolyte are added, and the water is then pumped into sedimentation tanks where it undergoes a process of settling out sediment and other small particles. ● The water then passes through fine sand filters which further polish the water and remove any small particles not removed in the earlier settling process. ● From here the water is disinfected by the addition of chlorine, which kills any bacteria or viruses that are present. The water is now safe for drinking (potable) and ready for distribution around the city.

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RIVER TO THE TAP

WATER SUPPLY)

From the Water Treatment Station, treated water enters the 'bulk main' pipe network. This network transports water to the 'distribution' network and eight reservoirs situated around the city. These reservoirs allow water to be stored for emergencies and periods of high demand. From here water is piped to our taps and to fire hydrants on our streets. It is interesting to note, that only a very small percentage of this high quality drinking water piped to Hamilton’s homes and businesses is used for drinking. Most of it is used for bathing, washing, flushing toilets, watering gardens and in industrial processes.

WHY WE NEED TO CONSERVE WATER In spite of the size of the Waikato River, allowable water supply is not infinite and demand for water is increasing. Hamilton City Council is currently permitted to take up to 95 million litres per day. With increasing demand for water from other users (Industry, power generation and agriculture), there is a requirement that all water users, including Hamilton City Council, demonstrate efficient use of the water resource, especially in summer when Hamilton householder's water requirements are greatest. Water treatment costs are significant (energy, chemicals, and plant wear) so reduced water use also has potential cost savings at all stages of the water treatment process. To avoid future shortages we all need to use water more efficiently!

Sedimantation tanks remove nearly all of of the sediment, organic and inorganic material from the Waikato River water that enters the plant.

DRINKING WATER Hamilton City Council continuously monitors its treated water to ensure that it complies with NZ Drinking Water Standards and achieves an 'A-a' grading from the Ministry of Health. Sometimes you may be able to detect a slight taste or odour in your water, however this doesn’t mean that the water is unsafe to drink. This taste or odour can be caused by a number of things but is generally related to home plumbing, changes in the Waikato River or operations at the Water Treatment Station. There are a number of algae and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that can cause taste and odour in Hamilton's drinking water, particularly during summer months. These organisms naturally occur in our waterways, but can grow into blooms during warm weather in nutrient rich water. Hamilton's Water Treatment Station is able to treat river water to a high quality drinking standard.

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WHAT CAN

Households use about 60% of Hamilton’s water. 34% is used by businesses, industries, schools and hospitals. Leakages in the distribution network account for 6%.

There are plenty of things that you can do around your home to make a difference. You can contribute to cleaner water, healthier fish and wildlife populations, and a greatly improved environment for your family and community. Some things may seem like a very small contribution, but collectively these actions produce significant neighbourhood and regional environmental benefits.

Everyday, each person in Hamilton uses on average 230 litres of water. That’s about 1000 glasses of drinking water each. These figures can go up to 700 litres per person on a peak summer day when we are filling our swimming pools and watering the garden.

Compare this to some countries in the world where people use just 3 litres of water per day each! You only need about 5 litres of drinking water per day for cooking, drinking and food preparation. In Hamilton we use an extra 225 litres per person per day for toilets, showers, washing and watering the garden.

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HOW MUCH WATER DO WE USE?

Every time you turn on a tap, think about the long journey that water takes before it reaches you. Be conscious of how much water is disappearing down the plughole. Is it necessary? Have a go at some of these simple water saving tips in your household.

INSIDE

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It may take a little thought and practice to get used to doing them at first, but they will soon become an everyday habit.

Check for leaks around the house (water pipes, toilet cistern, taps). Add a few drops of food colouring to the toilet cistern. If the colour appears in the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak.

Check out the following sections in this booklet; Conserving Water at Home (this page), Take the Water Wise Water Conservation Test (page 16).

Convert your toilet to a dual flush system. Alternatively fill a 1 or 2 litre milk bottle with water and place in your toilet cistern. This will stop the cistern filling with as much water for each flush.

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CONSERVING WATER AT HOME

A top loading washing machine uses 200 litres per load!

Laundry 15%

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Don’t leave the tap running while brushing your teeth.

Kitchen 5%

A dishwasher uses 20 litres per load!

Don’t leave the tap running while brushing your teeth!

Install water saving showerheads or flow restrictors. Rinse your dishes in a sink with the plug in rather than under a running tap.

A full flush toilet uses 11 litres per flush and a half flush toilet uses 6!

A garden hose or sprinkler uses 15 litres of water per minute!

Toilet 20%

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Mulch plants to prevent evaporation and to reduce the need to water. Let grass grow longer in summer to help the soil retain moisture. Water the garden using water from the sink or bath (grey water).

A full bath uses 90 litres per tub! A 5 minute shower with a water saving shower head uses 50 litres.

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Garden 35%

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A running tap uses 10 litres per minute! Bathroom 25%

A dripping tap can waste up to 90 litres per week!

Use a bucket to wash the car rather than leaving the hose on. Sweep the path with a broom not a hose. Make sure outside taps are off when not in use. Fix dripping taps or leaking pipes.

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WISE TEST: WATER CONSERVATION

This test gives you an idea of how good your family or household are at conserving water.

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INSTRUCTIONS: Tick the box if the answer is yes or if the question is not relevant to you, (for example if you don’t have a lawn). When we wash the car/vehicle we use a commercial carwash with a water reclaim system, or we wash it at home on the grass using buckets.

WHAT IS YOUR SCORE OUT OF 10? If you got 9 or 10, fantastic! you’re really using your water efficiently and avoiding waste. A score of 7 or 8? Well done... there are a couple of things you can do better. 5 or 6? You’re using more water than you need to. Less than 5, read the instructions again, and read the Water Booklet. If your score is low then you’re probably using more than your fair share of water (think about how you can save water and read the text below!).

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TAKE THE WATER

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We always avoid running the tap with no plug in the sink, and/or we have tap aerators on all of our taps (aerators help to reduce water use by reducing flow volumes).

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We have a low volume shower head (this saves up to 40 litres of water for a 10 minute shower).

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We have a dual flush toilet using less than 8 litres for a full flush.

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We do not have a watering system in the garden.

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When its too hot we go to the local pool or the beach to cool off, rather than turning on the hose.

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We collect rain water to water the garden or fill the swimming pool.

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We have a water efficient dish washer (with a AAA or better water rating) and washing machine (AAA or better rating such as Fuzzy Logic machine or a front loader).

We never water the lawn, we mulch the garden to cut down on watering and we water the garden in the mornings or evenings to minimise evaporation.

Did you know that under the current Hamilton City Council Water Supply Bylaw households shown to be using excessive quantities of water may have a meter installed at their cost and be charged for the volume of water that is used? Currently Hamilton households are charged a flat rate for water use based on property value. This means that currently the average Hamilton household is charged approximately $140 per year, or $2.67 per week for their water supply. Business and commercial water users are metered and charged for the water that they use.

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An example of a well mulched garden The above image was photographed in a controlled situation under strict supervision. Just as we need to protect our lakes and rivers, we also need to protect ourselves when we are in or around them.

New Zealand.

A valuable body

of water.

My body is two-thirds water, and just as I rely on it to survive, so too does my country.

For three generations my family has farmed, hunted and fished this land. As kids my brothers and I spent hours swimming, fishing and eeling in this creek. It was famous for its trout and salmon, but over time it became discoloured and overgrown. I knew that for my boys to have what I had, I needed to do something about it. My dad cleared out the old willows and blackberries, and I fenced off my stock and planted the banks with natives. That was seven years ago, and the creek is in better shape than ever. I’ve taught my boys to swim and fish in here but, best of all, I’ve taught them to look after water. Visit www.4million.org.nz to learn how you can do the same.

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Andy Palmer – Temuka

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So, where does all of this water go after we’ve used it and it disappears down the plughole? When we flush our toilets, drain our baths, showers, sinks and washing machines, the wastewater is carried through a network of pipes and ends up at the Hamilton City Council Wastewater Treatment Plant in Pukete Road.

THE TREATMENT PROCESS The first stage of treatment (primary) starts when wastewater enters the head of the Treatment Plant. Large objects like rags, food scraps and twigs and small heavy particles like sand and gravel are removed. All of this waste is taken to landfill. The wastewater then flows to large primary sedimentation tanks. Here heavy solids, scum and grease are separated from the wastewater and pumped into large heated tanks called digesters. The naturally occurring bacteria in this sludge help to break down some of the solids. This digested ‘sludge’ becomes

less smelly and many disease causing organisms are destroyed. The sludge is then dewatered and landfilled. The methane produced in the digestion process is used to generate energy to power the Treatment Plant. The remaining wastewater (primary effluent) flows to aeration tanks for secondary treatment. This process removes most of the nutrient nitrogen found in wastewater. Excess nitrogen in the river can stimulate the growth of nuisance plants and algae, which leads to reduced water quality. The Wastewater Treatment Plant removes most of the nitrogen from effluent, reducing the amount of nitrogen entering the river. The activated sludge is then settled out in large openair tanks called clarifiers and is returned to the aeration tanks to repopulate them with bacteria. The clear ‘secondary effluent’ flows on for tertiary treatment. The tertiary treatment stage is the final step in the cleansing of Hamilton City’s wastewater. The effluent is exposed to high doses of ultraviolet radiation to disinfect the water and to stop the spread of diseases. The final effluent, a clear liquid low in solids and bacteria, is discharged back into the Waikato River. Environment Waikato monitors the effluent to ensure that it does not impact upon the water quality of the Waikato River.

MAORI BELIEFS IN WASTEWATER DISPOSAL As a general rule, wastewater was never thrown in water where people ate, drank and swam, and in pre-European times was usually disposed of in an area of a Pa away from food preparation and habitation. Ancient Maori were never confronted with the issues that surround 'wastewater' today. Wastewater and stormwater from urban areas were unheard of prior to the arrival of Europeans in the Waikato. Maori therefore did not have customs associated with these issues.

WHAT CAN

However, modern Maori have had to address and interpret these issues based on traditions and culture. This has resulted in an approach that wastewater disposal directly onto land is the preferred option. This is based on the belief in the power of Papatuanuku (mother earth) to cleanse these waters and to use the nutrients in the effluent to increase the fertility of the land. In principle, wastewater must not enter traditional streams, lakes or rivers, which are food gathering areas or which mark tribal boundaries as this would diminish the Mauri (life force) of these water bodies.

YOU DO?

Help keep the cost of wastewater treatment down and minimise the effects of wastewater disposal on our environment. Try some of these simple things around the house.

SIMPLE THINGS ✓ Don’t use the toilet as a rubbish bin. All the solids that go into the toilet have to come out again at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Keep a small waste bin in the bathroom for sanitary and cotton buds, etc. Never tip paints, engine oil, unwanted drugs or antibiotics down sinks or toilets as they can kill the naturally occurring bacteria that the Treatment Plant uses to clean wastewater.

Make sure your downpipes from your roof and other outside drains are connected to the stormwater system, not the wastewater network. In heavy rain, stormwater that gets into your gully trap (wastewater drain) can flood the sewers and cause untreated sewage to flow onto properties and into waterways. Avoid excessive use of detergents and cleaning products.

Return medicines to your chemist, take engine oil to the Refuse Transfer Station Recycling Shop, and let paint harden and dispose of it in your rubbish.

When purchasing appliances, ask the sales staff how much water the appliance uses. A water efficient appliance is cheaper to run and puts less load on the wastewater system.

Composting is the best option for your food scraps, however in-sink waste disposal is better than putting green waste in the rubbish, as this will help generate electricity from methane at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Set up a greywater recycling system. Grey water is water from the washing machine, bath, shower and sinks, doesn't contain human waste and can be used for watering the garden.

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Once the wastewater gets to the Watewater Treatment Plant, everything that we’ve disposed of into the system has to be taken out. This involves a complex and costly three stage treatment process resulting in treated water clean enough to go back into the Waikato River.

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Because this water is now contaminated, it is called wastewater or sewage. Hamilton and its residents produce an average of 45 million litres of wastewater every day. Wastewater is actually 99.9% water and contains less than 0.1% waste solids. These solids include dissolved detergents and chemicals, food scraps, dirt, oil and grease, human waste, sand and other small pieces of rubbish. It also includes bacteria and viruses that can make people ill.

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Prior to the settling of Hamilton, stormwater was not an issue. The native bush and scrub that covered the land intercepted rainwater, and slowed it so that it soaked into the ground rather than flowing across the surface. The water was filtered as it seeped into the soil and recharged groundwater reserves before emerging as springs in the banks of the Waikato River or into Hamilton’s lakes, streams and wetlands. Once houses, roads and footpaths started to be built, people discovered that these impermeable surfaces caused rainwater to collect in puddles, and made sections and roads muddy. Drains were dug to prevent flooding. Stormwater no longer soaked into the soil but was directed away into fast moving stormwater channels. Hamilton’s stormwater system now copes with the large volumes of water that flow off the city’s paved surfaces and rooftops, even in heavy rainstorms.

Have you ever noticed how everything looks cleaner after it rains? When it rains, water from our roofs, driveways, footpaths and roads, flows over these hard urban surfaces and into gutters and catchpits on the edge of streets. This rainwater picks up oil, litter, animal waste, chemicals, sediment and other pollutants. Some of these pollutants are trapped by the grates in catchpits, or settle out in the catchpit sump and are removed by street cleaners. The remaining ‘stormwater’ travels through a network of drains and into the nearest natural waterway. In Hamilton this is either the Waikato River, or one of Hamilton’s lakes or streams. Some of the pollution that does enter a waterway, such as litter is easy to see, but pollutants that dissolve in the water like some chemicals, animal waste, and heavy metals aren’t so visible. This pollution can lead to algae blooms, can make the river unsafe for

swimming and unhealthy for plants and animals. Many of these pollutants don’t readily break down, and can accumulate in the sediment in waterways, and cause environmental problems.

Who is responsible? Hamilton City Council is responsible for public stormwater systems and managing these systems so that we don’t have flooding, but everyone is responsible for stormwater on their own properties, and each one of us can help reduce the effects of stormwater on our rivers and lakes.

‘STORMY WATERS’ – THE ISSUES WITH STORMWATER Historically, cities have solved stormwater problems by channelling water from paved surfaces away as quickly as possible and into the nearest natural waterway. This helps prevent the hazards and health issues of urban flooding on roads and properties.

Rain washes rubbish off our streets and into stormwater drains. Some of this pollution will end up in the river.

However, getting water away quickly brings with it another set of issues. 1. Fast moving stormwater can erode stream banks and the areas around stormwater outlet pipes, as well as washing sediment from properties and new subdivisions into waterways. Sediment can smother streambeds, cloud water and block light for plants and animals. 2. Stormwater that flows over paved surfaces at high speed also washes pollutants along with it. It is difficult to prevent some of these pollutants getting into waterways once they have entered the stormwater network. Can we fix the stormwater problem? Increasing the amount of water that soaks into the soil replenishes precious groundwater reserves, and helps sustain adequate water levels in streams during dry spells. It also filters out many of the pollutants that end up in our stormwater.

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STORMWATER IN HAMILTON

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STORMWATER BECOME POLLUTED?

ON THE STREET

AROUND THE HOME

Car washing is a popular weekend activity. But what happens to the wash water when it flows down the driveway? The detergent joins antifreeze, oil, grease, heavy metals, and bits of rust and tyre rubber from the thousands of cars that travel Hamilton’s streets everyday. A lot of these materials are washed into the stormwater network and end up in the Waikato River.

What about all of those cleaners, paints and detergents that we use around our homes? If disposed of in the wrong place, they could get into waterways and cause damage.

You can prevent this by washing your car on the lawn, where the soil will help filter out detergent and the dirt and grime off your car. Keeping your car regularly tuned causes less pollution and will help prevent any leaks. Keep an eye out for oil spots on your driveway, soak up any leaks with newspaper and dispose of this in your rubbish.

ON THE FOOTPATH Animal waste on the footpath can wash into waterways and could spread disease. Take a plastic bag when you’re out and about and dispose of this waste in a rubbish bin. Leaves piling up in street gutters may be breaking down and sending unwanted nutrients into waterways, where they could cause algae blooms and weed growth. Litter and leaves decay in water, a process that uses up oxygen and suffocates fish and insects. Even biodegradable rubbish, like food scraps shouldn’t be thrown into waterways. Remember anything you throw out onto the street or footpath (including cigarette butts) will end up in the Waikato River via the stormwater system.

Keeping these chemicals out of waterways is as simple as making sure that they are not disposed of into drains. There are two sets of drains on your property. One for wastewater, and the other to drain stormwater from your roof and section. Find out where your stormwater drain is and make sure it only drains rain!

IN THE GARDEN Stormwater runoff from your section may be taking with it fertiliser, sediment, pesticides and other chemicals. Avoid getting fertiliser or spray on paved areas as this will wash straight into the stormwater drain when it next rains. Rain gardens are a great way to capture stormwater on your property so that it filters into the soil, and prevents pollutants from the garden getting into waterways.

HEY, WE Some alternative stormwater treatment systems include; ● Planted swales slow stormwater flows, capture some contaminants and absorb some of the water into the ground. They can sometimes take the place of conventional stormwater piped systems. ● Artificial wetlands and stormwater ponds help remove pollutants from water. Aquatic plants that grow in the wetlands, trap particles and contaminants carried in stormwater. The particles with contaminants settle out and some are taken up by plants. ● Some Councils minimise the use of stormwater pipes in favour of open drains. Open drains improve water quality and encourage fish and other aquatic life. The margins of these drains can also be planted to contribute to a more sustainable environment for the future.

LIVE DOWN HERE!

Have you noticed the silver fish on catchpits throughout the city, and wondered “What are those there for”? Well, they don’t mean that this is a good fishing spot! The fish is our native Kokopu. It is there to remind us that whatever we put into a stormwater drain will end up in the river, and could harm the Kokopu and other fish and animals that live there. Keep an eye out for these fish the next time you’re passing a stormwater catchpit, and remember, "Stormwater drains are only for rain". The Kokopu is one of our native fish that live in the Waikato River and gully streams in Hamilton. However, if we continue to wash pollutants into our streams through our stormwater, the Kokopu will either have to find another place to live or will die.

The native Kokopu on catch pits throughout Hamilton City are there to remind us that whatever we put into a stormwater drain could end up in the river.

YOU

Check out the WHAT CAN DO? section in this booklet for information on how to make a Rain Friendly Garden (page 24 and take the Water Wise Stormwater Test (page 25).

STEMMING STORMWATER FROM THE START In new subdivisions and industrial areas, the opportunity to provide alternative ways of treating stormwater is more achievable and has become a standard requirement in most cities.

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HOW DOES

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SAVING THE STORMWATER DRAIN FOR RAIN Some of the things we do around our homes directly affect the quality of the Waikato River, even though we may live a long way away from it. Find out where the stormwater off your property drains. Keep an eye on these drains to make sure that nothing goes down them that you wouldn’t want to swim in.

MAKE A ‘RAIN FRIENDLY GARDEN’ Rain Gardens are becoming a popular way for people to help reduce the impacts of stormwater. Creating a rain garden will not only soak up stormwater and minimise flooding, but will help prevent pollution getting into waterways.

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Rain gardens are landscaped areas, planted with appropriate shrubs and native plants which slow down water flows, encouraging infiltration rather than overland flow. Rain gardens don’t need to be very big, and you can site more than one around your section. ●

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You can also install a narrow gravel trench alongside hard surfaces like driveways. This will divert water to nearby gardens and allow it to filter into the soil.

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Make a rain garden in a low area of lawn where water naturally drains.

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Build a rain garden to collect water off your roof, with a simple pipe attached to your downpipe.

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TAKE THE WATER

YOU DO?

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WHAT CAN

Porous paving such as gravel or turf blocks allow water to soak into the ground rather than running off hard surfaces such as concrete or tarseal. 85% of rainfall will run off concrete or tarseal while 50% will run off a loose stone surface. Raised gardens and mulches will also help detain and retain water.

WISE TEST: STORMWATER

LOOK AFTER OUR STREAMS AND RIVER

This test gives an idea on how good you are at minimising stormwater production and keeping stormwater clean.

Be proactive in your own neighbourhood.

INSTRUCTIONS:

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Pass on information about water to your neighbours. A friendly chat over the fence is a great way to let people know that our stormwater drains run straight to the river. It’s a great way to meet your neighbours too! Keep an eye on your local stormwater drains and catchpits. A quick sweep up of leaves or litter around your driveway stops this rubbish from getting into the river. Your neighbours may also notice and feel encouraged to keep their drains clear as well.

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Report excessive litter or leaves that could cause flooding to Council who will organise a staff member to deal with this.

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Inform Council if you notice any water pollution in your area, or incidences when someone is discharging contaminants into a waterway or a stormwater drain.

Small actions add up to make a big difference!

✓

Tick the box if the answer is yes or if the question is not relevant to you, (for example if you don’t own a car). When we wash the car/vehicle we use a commercial carwash with a water reclaim system, or wash it at home on the grass using buckets. I don’t empty soapy or other dirty or contaminated water in the stormwater drain. I tip it on the grass or garden or down the gully trap (the outside wastewater drain). We take used oil to the Refuse Transfer Station for recycling and keep oil leaks and accidental spills out of the stormwater drains. Or we take the car to the service station for oil changes and servicing.

WHAT IS YOUR SCORE OUT OF 10? If you got a 9 or 10, Excellent! you’re really thinking about the environment around you. Score of 7 or 8? That’s great... and there are still a couple of things you can do better. Got 5 or 6? You’re placing an unnecessary burden on the environment. If you got less than 5, read the instructions again, and read the Water Booklet. Lets all do our bit to make our river cleaner! Help spread the word. “Drains (stormwater) are for rain”. Tell a friend, your family, and your workmates. Did you know that its actually illegal to wash your car or any other equipment including painting gear and waste bins over a stormwater drain?

An example of a 'Rain Garden' fed by a roof stormwater downpipe (inset)

We keep the driveway, roadside gutter and catchpits free from litter and leaves. (Leaves can be added to your compost heap or in heavy leaf fall, call Council to arrange a collection for street sweepings). We use organic compost in preference to synthetic chemical fertilisers in the garden. When out walking the dog, I take a plastic bag to pick up the dog’s waste and dispose of it into a rubbish bin. I never drop litter or cigarette butts on the ground. We have a 'Rain Friendly Garden', (see page 24) and/or less than 40% of the section is covered with impervious surfaces such as buildings, concrete and asphalt. We prevent erosion when landscaping or building. We cover areas where soil is exposed so that rain doesn’t wash the soil away. With acrylic or water-based paint we wash brushes at an inside sink or over the grass or garden. If using oil or solvent based paint we wash brushes in a container with thinners, then filter the thinner and re-use. Otherwise we let the solvent evaporate and dispose of the solids in the rubbish. 25

No Tama, the beautiful awa water gave us all the sustenance we needed to spend the whole day paddling. Fresh and clear it was, with a few pipi (shellfish) from the shore for lunch and we'd be set for the day.

Like the silver fish on the city’s stormwater catchpits Koro? Dad told us they were there to remind us that only rain should go down a stormwater drain, or else the fish will die.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

No it was different then moko. We'd spend the whole day swimming before your great grandmother called us home for kai (food).

We've only caught a big orange carp when we go fishing koro... Koro, it's changed so much since you were a boy ...how will it be for my mokopuna?

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Support REUSE and help us save paper. If you no longer need this booklet, share it with a friend or return it to Hamilton City Council so that we can pass it on to someone else to read.

ISBN: 1877406 031 Reprinted December 2006 Printed on recycled, chlorine free paper.

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For more information visit hamilton.co.nz and search using key words

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Ae Koro? Pipi from the shore? We've never seen a pipi there. I wouldn't drink that water either. It tastes funny.

Yes moko..... we caught plenty of fish when I was a boy. Lots of eels, trout and whitebait...

www.ew.govt.nz/ourenvironment/water/index.htm www.niwa.co.nz/ncwr/ www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/water/

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USEFUL WEBSITES

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We were told that taniwha guarded these sites, to make sure that nothing bad entered the waters.

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He he, Koro, you'd have to eat all of aunties kumara to get the energy to go as fast as them!

Hamilton City Council Environment Waikato Nga Mana Toopu o Kirikiriroa (special thanks to Wiremu Puke)

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AGENDA 21 IN ACTION 26

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We used to paddle our waka on the awa too, moko. Didn't have to watch out for speed boats then either!

INFORMATION SOURCES

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Look out for other booklets on: ● Waste ● Energy ● Transport ● Shopping ● Gully Guide

There were Rahui (rules) on the streams where we caught eels and gathered watercress. We watched those waters closely to make sure they weren't polluted. The Rahui looked after the Mauri (life force) of that site so that the water would be protected.

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We used to play at the awa (river) when I was a boy. No fancy toy boats then. We'd make waka (canoe) out of flax sticks that grew along the banks, and follow them downstream until they were eaten by a taniwha and disappeared.

Yes moko. The awa has changed since I was a boy. Too many people not taking enough care with what they put into the river and the streams that flow into it.

This booklet was produced by the Hamilton City Council. It is part of the Know It? ...Live It! Environmental Education programme.

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Okay Tama. I'd better come to make sure you mokopuna (grandchildren) don't upset the taniwha.

Ae Koro! It was so hot but mum wouldn't let us kids go to jump off the jetty. She said we'd get sick and had to wait until they took the signs down.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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Hey Koro (grandfather), we're taking our boats down to the river. Want to come and watch?

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KORO HOW WILL IT BE IN THE FUTURE?

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G N I V I L E L B A N I A T S U S

Municipal Offices, Garden Place Hamilton, New Zealand Ph 07 838 6699, Fax 07 838 6599 www.hamilton.co.nz