Population growth and intensification of land use are increasing demand for water in the Western Bay of Plenty.

To ensure the sub-region has enough water for people, the economy and the environment over the next 50 years, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, in conjunction with Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council have worked with industry and iwi groups to develop a water sustainability strategy.

That strategy was adopted by BOPRC earlier this year and has recently been distributed to interested parties.

'The strategy draws on science which has identified long-term water requirements, water short and water rich areas, both surface and groundwater in the sub-region,” says chair of Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Strategy, Policy and Planning Committee Raewyn Bennett.

'The strategy is an opportunity to be proactive in addressing future problems, seizing opportunities and balancing the economic, social, cultural and environmental values for water.

'We want to find a balance between the amount of water available and the various demands for water, while encouraging and supporting effective relationships with councils, industry, rural land users, tangata whenua and the wider community.”