Water is important for everyone in Canterbury, whether it is used for drinking, recreational activities such as boating or fishing, irrigation for farming, or industry. Others simply value water as a part of our environment.

Every year pressure on the region's water resources continues to grow. In the seven years to 2006 there was a 49% increase in water allocated for irrigation in Canterbury. It is now critical that a 20 year plan is developed to ensure the water resource is managed fairly and sustainably.

A Water Management Strategy is being developed for Canterbury under the leadership of the Mayoral Forum a group of mayors and chief executives from all of Canterbury's councils. This important committee's backing of the strategy is an indicator of the importance of the water resource as the lifeblood of Canterbury.

The Mayoral Forum has set a clear direction that the future management of Canterbury's water resources is to be developed in partnership with communities. A Steering Group is responsible for making this happen.

Information and resources

On this website you will find information and resources to enable you to have your say on the future of water management in Canterbury. This includes:
New Steering Group report on nitrate discharge to groundwater
Context for the programme
Who is involved in the Canterbury Water Management Strategy
Programme consultation process and timing
Newsletters
Background from previous stages
How to get involved
FAQs