Dear Editor, So, the last few months has seen social media chatter regarding the Government wanting its people to pay a tariff for the supply of potable water. People are resisting having to pay for what they believe is free water.

They are so concerned, a petition was presented to Government. I think people are passionate and it has become an emotional merry go round of indignation. Let’s look at this without the emotion.

The Government created To Tatou Vai, a new infrastructure and a new water reticulation system to administer, maintain and provide this water to its people. Judging by the social media comments people are hung up on having to pay for free water. They are not. The water is free, always has been and always will be. However, its provision by To Tatou Vai means that the people must pay for To Tatou Vai to provide the administration of this resource.

To address this situation and convince people that they need to pay for the water supply, here’s where the consultation process in the Cooks was a fait acompli, has been for years when capital works are involved. We (the Govt) are telling you what we are about to do.

That my friends, is not consultation. If you get engineers, lawyers, accountants and politicians involved in the consultation process rather than change management experts the following is what passes for consultation. The engineers tell you what they want and are going to do, the lawyers bleat on about the legal aspects, the accountants’ rabbit on about costs and cost recovery and the politicians are there to kiss babies, shake hands, make promises and to convince you that it’s in everyone’s best interests, especially their constituency.

Whilst water is a natural resource, the process of making it safe to drink (potable), transporting it, and maintaining the infrastructure requires significant investment. In addition, the new water reticulation system, infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance require funding to ensure a reliable supply of clean water. The tariff is not for the water itself, but for the reliable, safe, and continuous access to it. Without To Tatou Vai, access to clean water might be sporadic or unsafe.

Understand that safe drinking water is essential for public health, and the costs associated with providing this service are much lower than the potential costs of dealing with waterborne diseases. People need to understand that the long-term benefits paying for this service now ensures that the system remains functional, preventing future costs related to system failures or poor water quality.

Other essential services like electricity or waste disposal, people do understand the need to pay for the infrastructure that delivers these services to their homes. The current tariff ensures the sustainability of the water supply, supporting both current and future generations.

Look, paying for the service is a way for the community to invest in its own infrastructure, ensuring that everyone benefits from a safe and reliable water supply.

If I was To Tatou Vai I would provide transparency on how the funds are used, perhaps through regular reports or community meetings, so people see that their money is being well spent on maintaining and improving the system.

By taking these steps, the government can help the people understand that the tariff is a necessary part of ensuring a reliable, safe water supply and that it ultimately benefits everyone.

The daily average water use for a Western home varies depending on the country, household size, lifestyle, and efficiency of water fixtures. However, a general estimate for a typical household in a Western country is around 300 to 400 litres per person per day.

Breakdown of water use: Toilets: 25-30% of daily water use (around 75-90 litres), Showers and Baths: 20-30% (about 60-90 litres), Laundry: 15-20% (around 45-60 litres), Kitchen and Dishwashing: 10-15% (about 30-45 litres), Other (cleaning, drinking, etc.): 10-15% (around 30-45 litres)

Factors influencing water use:

•           Appliance efficiency: Homes with water-efficient appliances and fixtures, such as low-flow toilets, showerheads, and washing machines, tend to use less water.

•           Outdoor use: Watering gardens, lawns, or filling swimming pools can significantly increase daily usage.

•           Behaviour: Habits such as taking shorter showers, running full loads in washing machines and dishwashers, and fixing leaks can reduce water consumption.

While these figures provide a general estimate, actual usage can vary widely based on individual behaviours and household size.

We must pay something to get the use of this water resource, that’s the right and prudent thing to do, even if we use half that figure on average. The latest offer by To Tatou Vai of 100 litres per person per day is just a joke.

Te Tuhi Kelly,

Leader Progressive Party.