Managing stormwater in the Ōtākaro Avon River

We’re seeking public feedback on the draft plan to improve the way stormwater is managed in the Ōtākaro Avon River catchment.

Consultation has opened on Christchurch City Council’s Ōtākaro Avon Stormwater Management Plan.

This is the sixth of seven plans being prepared for the district’s different stormwater catchments.

Stormwater management plans lay out the ways in which the Council will meet the requirements of its 25-year Comprehensive Stormwater Network Discharge Consent (CSNDC), which was granted by Environment Canterbury in 2019.

“Stormwater is any water that falls onto roads, paths and other hard surfaces. On its journey into our waterways, it picks up all sorts of contaminants,” says Head of Three Waters Brent Smith.

“There are many sources of potential pollution including car tyres, the roofs of houses and construction sites. The plan describes what can be done to address these and other sources of contamination.”

Mr Smith says the Ōtākaro-Avon catchment has unique features which are considered in the plan.

“The catchment is home to the Ōtākaro-Avon River, which runs through the heart of our city and is a popular destination for recreation.

“One of the key issues we’re considering in the plan is the need to improve surface water quality and the health of waterways while recognising this is a built-up urban area experiencing continued development," he says. 

“We know this area is important to residents and we want to hear what you think of the goals we’ve set for improving water quality.”

Submissions on the Ōtākaro-Avon draft stormwater management plan can be made until 22 April 2024.