List released of drinking water supplies without bacterial barriers and/or residual disinfection

Head of Regulatory, Steve Taylor said that bacteria such as Campylobacter can be spread through drinking water supplies.  

“It’s a requirement of the Water Services Act 2021 (the Act) and the Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules (the Rules) that suppliers must use a multi-barrier approach to managing risks and protect drinking water supplies from contamination,” says Mr Taylor. 

“The Havelock North waterborne illness outbreak had a devasting impact on the community, with an estimated 8,000 campylobacteriosis illnesses and four deaths. One of the principles that came from that inquiry was drinking water suppliers must maintain multiple barriers to contamination.” 

“No single barrier is effective against all sources of contamination – for example, chlorine is a highly effective treatment against bacteria and viruses but is not effective against protozoa. That is why it is critical that a multi-barrier approach is used,” says Mr Taylor. 

The list includes 13 councils that operate 30 drinking water supplies and 2 government departments that operate 50 drinking water supplies.  

There are 48 supplies lacking residual disinfection and 48 supplies lacking a bacterial barrier. The total population potentially affected is 128,857 people. 

Taumata Arowai wrote to the 13 councils and 2 government departments today telling them they expected them to have a confirmed and funded plan agreed by 30 June next year, and installation and operation of a bacteria barrier and or residual disinfection by 31 December 2024. 

That timeframe fits in with the next annual budgeting cycle for councils across the country. It allows a short period of time to make sure the plan is right for the type of supply, while also setting a clear deadline so that communities know when a barrier will be in place.  

Mr Taylor said that the Taumata Arowai is considering what regulatory action is required should suppliers not respond satisfactorily within the timelines set out in our letter. 

“Drinking water suppliers have a duty of care to provide safe drinking water. We expect them to provide assurance to their communities that they are adequately managing any risks associated with the drinking water they supply."

"This includes ensuring appropriate treatment and monitoring is in place and actively managing all risks associated with the source water and drinking water supply,” says Mr Taylor. 

If you are worried about your drinking water, you should contact your supplier in the first instance. You can find out who your drinking water supplier is on the Public Register of Drinking Water Supplies. 

View: The list of councils and government supplies without bacteria barriers and/or residual disinfection