Keeping The Ditches And Drains Clear

Canals, waterways and stormwater drains all come under pressure during prolonged periods of wet weather or in heavy downpours. It’s a constant balancing act to keep all the channels clear of aquatic weed and silt build-up so they continue to flow freely. There can be no easing up on maintenance.

The Council does its part by controlling the often prolific weed growth in the drains and watercourses for which it’s responsible but landowners can help by keeping their own waterways clear.

In the coming weeks, Council’s contractors will be spraying the open drains of the Lower Wairau.

“We use agri-chemicals (spray) where possible to minimise the need to bring in heavy drain-clearing equipment as, overall, its less of a disturbance to the environment,” says Council Rivers manager Geoff Dick.

Marlborough’s rainfall has come in some very heavy bursts for the last season or two and those sudden bouts of high rainfall can create pressure points across our floodplain when the water can’t drain easily.

It’s good practice for landowners to check their culverts and water channels each month and let Council know where there are problems.

Any enquiries: Steve Bezar, Ph 520 7400.