New Zealand Rural Bores and Tanks: Private Supplies Under the Water Services Bill (2021 Summary)
New Zealand Rural Bores and Tanks: Private Supplies Under the Water Services Bill (2021 Summary)
Informational only. This reflects a law firm summary of the Water Services Bill 2020 as it stood in April 2021, not the final law.
- The Bill created a regulator, Taumata Arowai, and a regime for public and private drinking water supplies.
- Per the article, a supplier includes a private entity supplying two or more dwellings, or commercial or other non-residential premises. Examples: a bore serving several homes on one rural property, a bore serving a community hall, a cafe on a rainwater tank.
- Smaller suppliers would have to provide safe water, register the supply and renew annually, prepare safety plans, ensure enough water, protect against backflow, and maintain and test any end-point treatment.
- Obligations were expected to be proportional to scale and risk, and lighter for small rural suppliers than for councils.
Not verified: the Bill's final content, current obligations and timing. It was before a select committee when written. Check Taumata Arowai and your council. Not legal advice.
General information only. Not plumbing, legal or code advice. Confirm with a licensed professional and your local authority.