Volume One 5. Allocation of Public Resources A network of bores has been established across the spring belt of the Wairau Plains to monitor aquifer levels. There is a very good relationship between aquifer level and the position of headwaters of the spring-fed streams and the subsequent flows in the streams. Aquifer environmental levels have been established by regional rule at each of the monitoring bores. The taking of groundwater in the relevant FMU must cease when the level of water in the Wairau Aquifer falls to the specified level. Issue 5G – Allocating more water than is actually required for any use creates the potential for inefficient use of water. This can compromise the sustainability of the resource and prevent other users accessing water. Inefficient allocation and use of water is potentially a significant issue in Marlborough, given that many water resources are at or are approaching full allocation. As described in Issue 5D, once allocation limits have been reached, the Council is unable to continue allocating water to other users. Allocating and/or using more water than is required for a particular use represents a lost opportunity for other potential users to gain access to water in a limit based management system. This can occur when water is allocated to a user but is not utilised or is lost through wasteful distribution/application methods. There will be cumulative social, cultural and economic effects from inefficient allocation and use of water once limits have been reached. In particular, as Marlborough relies on water for primary production and the processing of crops, inefficient allocation and/or use of water limits the opportunities for economic growth and employment. [R] Objective 5.7 – The allocation and use of water do not exceed the rate or volume required for any given water use. Water is one of Marlborough’s most significant natural resources. There is a collective community responsibility to ensure that the greatest social, cultural and economic benefit can be derived from the water available for consumptive use. Efficient allocation and use of water has an important role to play in this respect, as it ensures that water is put to productive use. [R] Policy 5.7.1 – When resource consent is to be granted to use water, every proposed use will be authorised by a separate water permit. Categories include municipal, irrigation, industrial, residential, commercial and frost fighting. This policy identifies that the use of water is a separate activity to the taking of water from a water resource, with the potential for distinct positive and adverse effects. By requiring a separate water permit to authorise the use of water, those effects can be recognised and, where necessary, appropriately managed through the processing of the application in accordance with the provisions of the MEP. The policy also establishes separate classes of use. This distinction between different uses allows other policies of the MEP to be applied to those uses, including Policy 5.7.5. [R] Policy 5.7.2 – To allocate water on the basis of reasonable demand given the intended use. One of the ways in which efficient use of water can be achieved is by ensuring that the allocation to the user does not exceed that which is reasonably required for the use. In the case of irrigation, the Council will provide users with a tool, “IrriCalc,” to estimate water demand for the crop, based on the soil type(s) and climate that exist at the property. This policy assists to give effect to Policy B4 of the NPSFM. 5 – 23