Water Services Authority releases position on downstream drinking water suppliers

The Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai (the Authority) is taking steps to improve clarity for drinking water suppliers by releasing a policy position on when a downstream supply exists and clarifying what responsibilities apply. This work follows engagement with the sector last year.

The Water Services Act 2021 does not clearly define downstream supplies. This has created uncertainty for suppliers, inconsistent decision-making and, in some cases, unnecessary compliance costs.

To address this, the Authority has developed a new Downstream Supplies Policy Statement [link] to help suppliers identify when they are part of a downstream supply arrangement.

The policy statement focuses on public health protection and is designed to support more consistent and proportionate regulatory decisions across the sector. It ensures risks are appropriately identified and managed, while avoiding unnecessary compliance costs for low-risk situations.

A downstream supply exists where additional treatment or management of specific risks is needed to ensure the water is safe. The person who owns the downstream supply must be different from the person who owns the upstream supply.

The Authority recently released updated Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules, along with guidance and tools to support consistent decisions across the sector. The updated Rules clarify which rules apply to downstream supplies, ensuring suppliers have the information they need to meet their obligations.

The new approach is designed to help suppliers confidently self-identify their status using clear criteria, supported by examples and practical guidance.

We recognise that this may not pick up every situation so suppliers should get in touch if they have any queries. Where needed, the Authority can also use its statutory powers to determine whether a supply is, or is not, a downstream drinking water supply.

Read the Downstream Supplies Policy Statement.