Description

This Act is part of the Three Waters Reforms. It establishes drinking water standards and regulates all persons and organisations that supply drinking water.

Previously only large scale water suppliers were captured by health regulations. Under the Act, any person who supplies water to another household or dwelling, which may be used for drinking water, is likely to be caught by the Act. Supply has a broad definition and could include anyone with drinking water infrastructure (e.g. pipes) on their property.

Scope

Key provisions

1. Supplier

Previously only large scale water suppliers were captured by health regulations. Under the Act, any person who supplies water to another household or dwelling, which may be used for drinking water, is likely to be caught by the Act. Supply has a broad definition and could include anyone with drinking water infrastructure (e.g. pipes) on their property.

This also means there could be multiple Suppliers along the water supply chain.‍

2. Duties

Suppliers will have significant new duties including:

• Registering their supply;
• Complying with drinking water standards, including aesthetic standards;
• Providing sufficient quantities;
• Having a drinking water safety plan;
• Notifying the new authority (Taumata Arowai) and local authorities of any risk or hazard to the water;
• Maintaining records of supply, compliance and monitoring (that will need to be done via an accredited lab);
• Providing specified information and a complaints process for those consuming the water; and
• Paying fees and levies as Taumata Arowai requires.

These duties are imposed on a wide range of people, and can extend to those working or volunteering for the supplier.

3. Penalties

There are significant penalties for breaching the Act. For example, a failure to register a drinking water supply can result in a maximum fine of $50,000 for the individual and $200,000 for a body corporate.