Wastewater standards

Wastewater standards (regulations under the Water Services Act 2021) include requirements, limits, conditions or prohibitions on activities associated with wastewater networks. They are a key part of Local Water Done Well, the Government’s approach to addressing long-standing water infrastructure challenges.

Wastewater standards only apply to public networks – mostly owned and operated by local councils – not to privately owned wastewater treatment networks or septic tanks. Standards are implemented by regional councils through resource consent conditions.

Local councils engaging with communities about different wastewater options (e.g. where wastewater treatment plants are located, the sorts of systems used, and where treated wastewater is released) and their affordability, are supported by having national wastewater standards. 

New Zealand’s first national wastewater standards become law on 19 December 2025 following public consultation and extensive engagement. Requirements relating to overflows and bypasses will take effect three years later. This delay allows operators to use future stormwater and wastewater risk management plans to support consent applications related to overflows and bypasses.

Wastewater standards determine what kind of treatment is needed before wastewater can be released into the environment. The rules vary depending on how sensitive the local environment is. In areas that are more sensitive, stricter treatment is required. In places where the risk to the environment or public health is lower, the treatment requirements are less strict, which helps keep costs down.

The existing Resource Management Act consenting process will continue to apply to areas that fall outside the standards. For example, this may include sensitive environments such as geothermal waterways and contaminants of local significance such as pharmaceuticals. 

Find out more about:

• Community, iwi and hapū engagement
• Treaty settlement obligations