A TASWATER decision to use rainwater tanks to supply residents of Pioneer with clean water was made in contrast to a 2013 Ben Lomond Water-commissioned report.
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About 30 to 40 tanks were scheduled to be installed in the North-East town after high counts of lead were discovered in its reticulated supply.
A TasWater spokesman on Wednesday said rainwater tanks were believed to be the best option to provide the town with supply relief.
However, the GHD report; Pioneer Water Supply High Level Review of Options, found a tank system would cater to less than half the town’s needs.
‘‘In the wettest year, it is estimated that rainwater tanks can only provide up to 50 per cent of annual demand,’’ the report said.
‘‘Therefore an initial fill with a tanker and top-ups as required may be necessary.’’
The TasWater spokesman said the organisation was confident tanks would be enough to address the town’s needs.
‘‘TasWater has always made the community aware that their tank supply may have to be supplemented by water being carted in if the annual rainfall records are less than the average for Pioneer,’’ the spokesman said.
The rainwater system was labelled as a liability by Pioneer’s Jenny Bellinger in a letter sent to TasWater chief executive Michael Brewster on behalf of the town last Thursday.
Ms Bellinger said they would now have ‘‘ongoing refilling expenses of $600’’ to fill the 23,000-litre tanks.
‘‘This will happen in our town as per GHD reports commissioned at great costs by BLW/TasWater,’’ she wrote.
Ms Bellinger asked that Mr Brewster speak to the town about the tank supply and alternative water supply options.
