By BRISTOW, Robyn A small hydro scheme on the Rakaia River would boost Canterbury's ability to meet growing power demand in the farming industry, says an Auckland-based economist.

WATER BATTLE SITES Central Plains Water scheme: involves taking water from the Rakaia and Waimakariri rivers and storing it in a reservoir in the dammed Waianiwaniwa Valley. The water will be used to irrigate 60,000ha bounded by the rivers, SH1 and the Malvern foothills.

I f there had been any doubt that water is the most significant issue for Canterbury and that the politics of its use are intense, it was surely dispelled this week.

By SILKSTONE, Dan The Central Plains Water (CPW) scheme is in doubt, after a High Court judge awarded a rival project priority to take water from the Rakaia River.

By LUKE, Peter From a massive irrigation proposal in the Canterbury hinterland to a more modest scheme to build a suburban swimming pool in Christchurch, water will be on the minds of Christchurch City councillors over coming months.