5. Allocation of Public Resources Volume One [R] Policy 5.7.9 – A limitation will be imposed on the maximum rate of use of water for frost fighting purposes of 44 cubic metres per hour per hectare. This policy assists to give effect to Policy B4 of the NPSFM and sets a maximum rate of water use for frost protection in order to avoid excessive use of water. [R] Policy 5.7.10 – Avoid taking water for frost fighting purposes during periods of peak irrigation demand (1 January to 30 April in any calendar year). Given the significant volume of water involved in frost fighting, it is inappropriate for this water to be taken during the period of peak water demand (January to April). Abstraction of frost fighting water during this period has the potential to adversely affect other users of water. It is also unlikely that frost conditions will exist for most of the time period stated in the policy. [R] Policy 5.7.11 – Where water is to be stored for the purpose of frost fighting, require a minimum storage volume equivalent to three days of frost fighting demand. In addition, where water is proposed to be taken to replenish stored water used during a frost event, have regard to effect of the rate of refill on other water permit holders and the natural and human use values supported by the source waterbody. Stored water is often used to supply water for frost protection given the high water demand. It is reasonable for people to replace the water utilised from the reservoir/dam for frost protection, particularly if subsequent frosts are predicted. The rate of abstraction of water to refill the reservoir/dam can be high and may lead to adverse effects on the natural and human use values supported by the waterbody and on other users of water. For this reason, there should be sufficient water stored to protect against three consecutive days of frost. This will minimise the need to take water at a significant rate to refill the reservoir for frost fighting on the subsequent day. If a person undertaking frost fighting proposes to refill the reservoir within the three days, then it is appropriate to also consider the effects of the rate of refill. Issue 5H – Demand for water typically peaks when river flows and aquifer levels are at their lowest, which can cause short-term water availability issues. Marlborough typically experiences a dry climate with the potential for significant seasonal variation in rainfall. Rainfall over summer months, even in average years, is insufficient to meet the demand of most crops, resulting in a significant increase in the demand for water for irrigation purposes. For the same reasons (low rainfall and high evapo-transpiration), the flow of water in rivers and the levels of aquifers are typically at their lowest over this same period. The imposition of environmental flows/levels to protect the life-supporting capacity of the water resource can result in the restriction or suspension of abstraction from those water resources. The outcome is one in which water users, particularly irrigators, cannot access water at the very time they need it the most. In such circumstances there is the potential for failure of crops or at least reduced yield. Given the importance of primary production to Marlborough’s social and economic wellbeing, there is a need to find ways to alleviate such short-term water availability issues. [R] Objective 5.8 – Maximise the availability of water within the limits of the resource. Water availability varies significantly in Marlborough, both in time and location. There are methods by which water that is available at different times of year (due to higher rainfall and lower evapo-transpiration) or available at other locations can be made available to help resolve short- term water availability issues. Examples can include the storage of water and/or augmentation of 5 – 26