Legal action over failures in Greymouth drinking water supply

The Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai has filed charges in the Greymouth District Court against Grey District Council and Westroads Ltd alleging failure to comply with the duty to supply safe drinking water.

 This is the Authority’s first prosecution since it came into existence in 2021.

This legal action follows an investigation by the Authority into failures in the Greater Greymouth drinking water supply last year. 

The Authority was alerted to issues in April 2025, when E. coli was detected in one sample taken at a testing site, and a boil water advisory was issued for the community. No illnesses were reported as a result of the detection. 

“As a regulator, we take a risk-based approach, focusing our efforts on suppliers, issues and practices that represent the highest risks to public health. We take enforcement action when it is needed to protect public health and deter future offending. Following our investigation, we believed there were grounds to prosecute," says Steve Taylor, Head of Operations for the Authority.

“We do not take this action lightly.

“As this is now before the court, we cannot comment on specifics. The outcome will be determined in court.”

The Authority monitors water suppliers to ensure all public supplies provide safe, reliable drinking water to their communities. The Authority’s Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement strategy 2025-28 outlines clear expectations for suppliers and a pathway for compliance. If expectations are not being met, the Authority will take action to protect public health.

“We will continue to monitor practices in the region, and to liaise with Grey District Council, as well as the new West Coast Water Services organisation, due to be established in July 2027, working to ensure the reliable and safe delivery of drinking water for everyone on the West Coast,” says Steve Taylor.

Background information

Prosecution policy - This policy sets out how the Authority will use and manage prosecutions.