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Nicks nonsense wont wash with Nelsonians

Maryan Street

10.10.2008

National MP Nick Smith's claims that the government plans to regulate the water flow in peoples' showers is complete nonsense and shows how irresponsible he is prepared to be in order to try and win a few votes, says Maryan Street.

"Thankfully people living in the Nelson electorate didn't come down in the last shower and will read his claims for what they are - a complete, and irrational, fabrication."

"If this is what National deputy leader Bill English meant when he told National delegates ‘nothing beats winning in politics, despite all our highly principled statements ...do what we need to win' then we have a very sad state of affairs," Maryan Street said.

"These are the facts.  There are no rules or standards in force or being developed that will make it mandatory for people to have low flow shower heads. People will continue to have a choice about the flow rate in their shower.

"Earlier this year, Cabinet agreed to changes to the Building Code requiring new hot water systems in either new houses or houses being renovated to be energy efficient. The requirements take effect in February. Under the change the energy efficiency of the complete hot water heating system will need to be improved by 20 per cent over current averages.

"To make compliance easier, the Department of Building and Housing has prepared a draft document, which provides a wide range of options on how to comply with the new requirements. The document was distributed for public consultation and is currently being reviewed, taking into account public feedback," said Maryan Street.

"Using a water efficient shower head is one of many options people will have to meet the standards. Other ways include having a heat pump, or a solar energy system, or a gas water heating system or shorter hot water pipes. These options will be a matter of choice.

"There are no restrictions on the amount of hot water anyone can use, the flow rate of the shower head or the shower head you use.  Nick Smith's statement that there will be "tight constraints on water flows in household showers" is completely untrue.

"The standards only apply to new houses being built. Existing homes are not affected by the standards unless a whole new water heating system is being installed.   The standards are aimed at improving the energy efficiency of hot water systems, taking advantage of new technology and will also help people save money on their energy bills.  So come on Dr Smith - how about playing with a straight bat ?"

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