Drinking Water Suppliers Update

The Big Picture:

Taumata Arowai is the new water services regulator for Aotearoa New Zealand. It is responsible for developing the rules, standards and acceptable solutions that help it administer the Water Services Act 2021 and ensure safe drinking water.

New Drinking Water Standards, Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules, Aesthetic Values and Acceptable Solutions have been published, following public consultation, and came into effect on 14 November 2022 with a transition period for full compliance by November 2028. Understanding the population the drinking water supplier serves helps to understand the requirements with Acceptable Solutions being available for populations of less than 500 people. 

Suppliers will need to comply with the Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules or implement an Acceptable solution, if applicable by the dates in the table below. Although there is a relatively generous transition time for suppliers who are currently unregistered, there is still a responsibility to supply safe ('potable') water right now. Those investing in water treatment systems now should be mindful of implementing a solution that will be acceptable under the new requirements. 

Water carriers are also classified as drinking water suppliers. Bottled water is regulated under the Food Act 2014. Those holding events with temporary increase in population, or where population varies at certain times (holiday home areas) should also be aware of their situations. 

Acceptable Solutions:

Water treatment specialists should make sure they are familiar with the 3 new Acceptable Solutions which apply to: (i) Roof water supplies (ii) Spring and Bore supplies (iii) Mixed Use Rural supplies.

This may include supplies to farms, schools, community housing schemes, maraes, and situations with multiple buildings connected to one supply. Those supplying neighbouring properties should also be aware of their obligations. A single residential household (i.e. domestic self-supply) is not classified as a drinking water supplier.  

Taumata Arowai says the Acceptable Solutions provide a "ready-made option" to meet compliance obligations under the Water Services Act 2021. A supplier who falls into one of these categories and who complies with an Acceptable Solution in its entireity does not need to prepare a drinking water safety or source water risk management plan, as other suppliers are required to do. 

The 3 Acceptable Solutions are available free-of-charge here: Acceptable Solutions | Taumata Arowai

End Point UV systems:

The Acceptable Solutions make reference to endpoint UV systems that are "NSF Class A" or equivalent.  The unit we provide is from UV Dynamics in Canada:  Click here for Class A UV unit

Note on Three Waters:

Three Waters is getting a lot of media attention which is regarding municipal and council supplies (ie "town water"). Whilst some pundits are discussing what may become of the various 3 waters initiatives, we believe the Drinking Water Supplier requirements as summarized above are here to stay. 

What should people do now?

Those who are sourcing water for themselves and others, who are not classified as domestic self-supply, should act now to do the following:

• If applicable, get yourself registered, if you are not already registered
• Get familiar with the new requirements; understand how many people you are serving, your water source and whether an Acceptable Solution may be applicable for you
• Understand existing water quality, by getting a test done via an independent testing laboratory
  
• Take stock of your current water treatment equipment
• Assess any gaps in addressing water quality and complying with the requirements
• Develop a plan to purchase and install the necessary equipment
• Communicate with your stakeholders (those reliant on your water; contractors who you use; those who may bear some costs, etc)   
• Understand ongoing maintenance, testing and reporting requirements