Safe water every day for marae drinking water suppliers

Every day, drinking water suppliers play a vital role supporting the health and wellbeing of people across Aotearoa by providing them with safe, reliable drinking water.  

Bacteria, viruses and protozoa (microscopic parasites) in untreated water can make people sick. The best way to reduce the risk is to treat the water, to make sure that what comes out of the tap is safe to drink.  

Everyone who supplies drinking water to more than 25 people has a legal responsibility to ensure wai is safe to drink. 

As the water regulator, the Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai sets the standards for safe drinking water. We provide several different pathways for people who manage drinking water supplies to meet their responsibilities. In general, the simpler (or lower risk) the supply, the simpler the requirements.  

An Acceptable Solution is one way for some small or rural drinking water supplies to comply with regulation. It means water can be treated at or near any buildings where people will drink it. This happens through a treatment system which uses cartridge filters and ultraviolet (UV) light  to disinfect the water.

For drinking water supplies like the one in Mitimiti, in our video, owned and operated by Mātihetihe Marae in Te Rarawa rohe, following an Acceptable Solution can be a cheaper and easier way to meet legal responsibilities. 

Choosing this option means there's no need to complete a drinking water safety plan and to follow the Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules, but the people managing the supply can still be confident that what comes out of the tap is safe to drink in the houses and buildings they serve. 

The cost of Acceptable Solutions 

The cost of treatment under an Acceptable Solution varies depending on how many people are connected to the drinking water supply, and how they're connected. To treat source water at individual buildings or homes, end-point treatment systems can start at around $2,000. 

For a centralised system that treats drinking water and sends it to buildings or homes through pipes, treatment equipment can start at around $15,000. There are also installation and ongoing maintenance costs, such as replacing filters and UV bulbs.

Paying for equipment and installation  

People who manage drinking water supplies are responsible for funding the cost of installing and maintaining equipment.

You might be able to secure funding through infrastructure or development funds, such as those administered by Te Puni Kōkiri.  Māori Development Fund – Te Puni Kōkirioutbound

Check with your council to find out about funding available from regional community trusts. Funding may also be available through local community-organised grants.

Finding and installing the right equipment 

To find a suitable treatment system, look for a New Zealand supplier of water filters, water purifiers and ultraviolet water treatment systems. Purchasing from a local provider brings protections under the Consumer Guarantees Act and might make it easier to have servicing done when needed.

Who to go to for installation and maintenance depends on your specific situation. People who install and maintain your treatment system, monitor your source water, and manage your operations should be suitably qualified, trained or experienced. Different tasks will need different skills. It’s a good idea to make a list of your requirements and check that anyone who might provide services or products is qualified to help.  

A registered plumber must be used to install end-point treatment systems inside buildings. Systems must be installed in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Our Find your supply type tool can help you understand the legal requirements for your drinking water supply.

Find out more  

Find out how an Acceptable Solution can help you meet responsibilities and deliver safe drinking water here.