Farm resources.

Every shareholder has a Water Use Agreement (WUA). A breach of our consent is a default under the WUA; it can result in Central Plains Water Limited (CPWL) terminating supply or following other remedies. It is critical for all water users to understand what they are entitled to, including correct flow rates and/or turn-off times.

It is important that all farm workers knowledge up and be trained in all aspects of ordering water, operation, and maintenance so they are aware of the correct scheduling and operation of irrigation equipment – well in advance of the season commencing.

Please note: For farms with multiple farm managers, CPWL provide group training on farms on request. Please call (03) 928 2960 #1.

This depends on multiple factors, including scheme-wide demand versus available run-of-river water. CPWL will only know the percentage restriction after 5 pm when the total scheme demand is confirmed, and the allocation/rationing process is complete.

For more information, please see the following training video on Restriction Status: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o4Rgwno52Y 

The CPWL Operations team are here to assist with all training on any aspect of the scheme. If you do not understand how to order water or would like further explanation of how stored water is managed and charged. Pre-season training sessions are held in July, August and September; however, we are always happy to help with training any time of the year if you require it.

Please call (03) 928 2960 #1 or email operations@cpwl.co.nz.

Please email operations@cpwl.co.nz with the following information:

• Name of new operator (first and last names);
• Mobile number
• Email address, and
• Turnout number/s they will need access to.

Please note: the shareholders must authorise this request.

All Stage 1 and 2 water can place orders using CustomerConnect.  Orders must be placed by 5 pm the day before they need water.

If you are in the Sheffield Water Scheme, you do not currently need to place water orders.

Water orders must be placed before 5 pm to ensure water allocation.

You can cancel any future orders that are scheduled for future irrigation days, as long as it is before 5 pm for any next day order cancellations. You can cancel your orders using the CustomerConnect portal or call (03) 928 2960 #1.

Water cannot be ordered after 5 pm for next-day delivery.

If you have a breakdown during the irrigation day that limits your ability to take the stored water you have ordered, then please (03) 928 2960 #1.

If your order is river water only, you do not need to notify us.

• Option 1. Full guarantee
  If you need all the water you’ve ordered (e.g., 15 litres/second), choose 100% stored water. This ensures access to your full order, using available river water first and topping up with stored water if needed.
  
• Option 2. Partial Guarantee
  If you only need a portion of your order guaranteed (e.g., 6 litres/second out of 15), calculate the percentage (e.g., 6/15 = 40%) and order that percentage of stored water. This guarantees the specified amount even if the full order is available from the river.
• Option 3: No Stored Water
  If you want to rely solely on river water and not use stored water, choose 0% stored water. After 5 pm rationing, you’ll be allocated only the available river water up to your ordered amount (e.g. up to 15 litres/second).

Note that in most cases you should order the flow rate you require and choose 100% stored water. Even if the flow rate you order is less than your maximum contracted flow rate, the amount of water you are allocated from the available water on the day will be based off your maximum flow rate.

Information about your stored water quantity and usage is available on the CustomerConnect, under the ‘Property’ section.

Monthly Water Use Charges are invoiced on the 1st of each month and are due on the 20th of the same month, each month of the year.

Contracted Stored Water charges are charged in equal instalments between October and April.

Additional Stored Water charges are applied one month in arrears, based on your Additional Water Usage, meaning April Additional Water Usage will be invoiced in May.

CPWL’s consents require a Farm Environmental Plan (FEP) to be in place before CPWL supplies water. CPWL has implemented FEPs for all Shareholders to ensure that farmers carry out good management practices. This, in turn, helps recognise on-farm environmental risks while improving biodiversity and minimising effects on water quality.

FEPs are the prescribed tool required to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous losses resulting from farming activities to allow water quality to improve over time. CPWL has a significant responsibility to ensure water quality goals are achieved and to develop processes and systems to ensure that CPWL can manage and monitor results.