Safe water every day for everyone Kia tiakina te wai hei oranga mō te katoa
Updated drinking water rules published
We have published the updated Water Services (Drinking Water Quality Assurance) Rules 2026, which make changes for large supplies, following consultation with the sector in late 2025.
The updates are part of our work to make the Rules clearer and easier for drinking water suppliers to understand and apply in practice, and will support the provision of safe, reliable drinking water for communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Latest news and events
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Updated drinking water rules published
23 June 2026The Water Services Authority has published the Water Services (Drinking Water Quality Assurance) Rules 2026 which make changes for supplies that provide drinking water to 501 people or more.Find out more -
Legal action over failures in Greymouth drinking water supply
15 June 2026The Water Services Authority has filed charges in the Greymouth District Court alleging failure to comply with the duty to supply safe drinking water.Find out more -
Solution in sight for decade-long boil water advisory in Kāeo
5 June 2026The Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai is pleased that a drinking water solution will address longstanding issues with the Kāeo supply.Find out more -
New rules introduced for lead-free plumbing products
1 May 2026The Water Services Authority is pleased to see the introduction of new requirements for lead-free drinking water plumbing products.Find out more
Engaging on national engineering design standards
We’re working with the sector to shape national engineering design standards (NEDS) to create a more consistent approach across New Zealand.
The standards will apply to stormwater, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure managed by councils and water organisations. They will also apply to new infrastructure that connects to, or becomes part of, those networks.
We’re working with councils, providers, developers and technical experts to shape the draft standards. Their input will help us create standards that are practical, affordable and fit for purpose.
Schools across the country are working to provide safe drinking water
Schools that operate their own drinking water supply – e.g. through bores or rainwater tanks – account for over half of all E.coli contamination incidents reported to the Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai.
Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School, in the rural township of Te Araroa on the East Coast, experienced frequent E. coli contamination in its drinking water supply. Through system upgrades, regular maintenance and water testing, the school now consistently provides safe water for students and the school community.
Check out their story and find advice to help school leaders improve drinking water safety on our Safe water for schools page.