Description

Drinking-water Standards for New Zealand 2005 (DWSNZ) details how to assess the quality and safety of drinking-water using the revised water quality Standards and compliance criteria that come into effect from 31 December 2005. The drinking-water Standards apply to drinking-water, that is, water intended to be used for human consumption, food preparation, utensil washing, oral hygiene or personal hygiene. The criteria are applicable to all drinking-water except bottled water, which must comply with the Food Act 1981.

Scope

The DWSNZ are applicable to water intended for drinking irrespective of its source, treatment or distribution system, whether it is from a public or private supply, or where it is used. The exception is bottled water, which is subject to different standards set under the Food Act 1981.

 The three main themes of the DWSNZ are:

- the water quality standards

-  the compliance criteria and reporting requirements

-  remedial actions.

 The DWSNZ do not set quality standards for water used for industrial or agricultural purposes.