We have provided updates and analysis on the Water Services Act 2021 previously, being legislation introduced to ensure safe, sustainable and equitable water services for New Zealand. The legislation followed Government inquiry into the Havelock North catastrophe where contaminated town supply water resulted in 3 deaths and various hospitalisations.

The Act’s impacts and ongoing compliance costs for private rural water supplies have however been a concern and are significant. After all, Havelock North was a town supply failure.

Contrary to the belief of some, whilst the Government has introduced and passed legislation to repeal the water services entities (repealing various Three Waters legislation), the Water Services Act remains law. Taumata Arowai also remains as the regulator, overseeing safety compliance.

Key Provisions of the Water Services Act – Recap

1. Establishment of Taumata Arowai: entity responsible for overseeing drinking water safety and performance.
2. Drinking Water Standards: specific safety standards aimed to ensure the provision of safe and potable water. Suppliers must take all reasonable steps to provide safe drinking water and requires regular monitoring and reporting.
3. Registration and Compliance: All water suppliers, including private and community-based, must register with Taumata Arowai. They are required to comply with the new standards and maintain up-to-date drinking water safety plans. This includes contingency planning for potential water quality incidents.

Local Water Done Well

In response to the Three Waters legislation, the National Party first introduced the “Local Water Done Well” policy, focussing on the importance of local control over water services with council-controlled organisations (for town supplies). The Government is well-underway introducing various bills to progress “Local Water Done Well.” Further updates to come.

For rural private supplies however, it is important to note the Water Services Act 2021 still applies.