The Council is required, under its Comprehensive Stormwater Network Discharge Consent, to develop stormwater management plans (SMPs) for each of the district's seven major catchments.

These SMPs detail how water quality targets will be met in each catchment, including improvements to existing discharges and ensuring that discharges from new developments do not degrade water quality. SMPs also cover flood management and catchment cultural values.

View the following completed SMPs, certified by Environment Canterbury: 

The Council is currently finalising the following SMPs, aiming to have them all certified by the end of 2025:

  • Ōtākaro-Avon River Area
  • Pūharakekenui-Styx River Area
  • Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū-Banks Peninsula Settlements