The provision of utility services was considered from the outset of the strategy development. The supply of water was not a significant restriction for the Blenheim growth pockets. However pipeline upgrades will be required to conduct water to the new growth areas. Simultaneous development of all sites would result in a significant capital investment. The recent population projections cast some doubt as to when that investment would be recouped from the increased rate base and development contributions. Council however can control the extent of simultaneous new developments and thus that risk. Providing a sufficient supply for Renwick, Picton and Havelock may be more problematic. The water sources for these settlements are currently under stress during periods of peak demand. The population growth estimates to be published in early 2015 will help to inform the planning process. In the meantime current demand management plans will continue. 3.2.2 Domestic Consumption The Blenheim water supply is predominantly used for domestic purposes. The major industrial users are outside of the boundary of the Blenheim water supply area or have their own private bores. Only around 9.5% of the water supplied is used by commercial and light industry. There is very little agricultural/horticultural usage from the reticulated supply. It is therefore a useful study of domestic water consumption patterns. In recent years the demand for water within domestic properties has grown significantly with the greater use of household sanitary facilities - laundry, dishwashers, multiple bathrooms, etc. In the Marlborough region however it is apparent the use of water for domestic irrigation and leisure purposes is the single most important factor driving water demand. The consumption of water in Blenheim is closely related to the evapo-transpiration rates as illustrated by Figure 6. The peaks in the consumption of water almost exactly match the warm dry days when the demand for watering the garden, topping-up the paddling pools, etc. Page 37