NZ Plumber October-November 2023

With plumbers at the heart of ensuring safe drinking water, Water New Zealand has information on navigating the new Drinking Water Standards and Acceptable Solutions, particularly when working on small and rural water supplies.

AUTHOR: WATER NEW ZEALAND

Plumbers are essential custodians of the nation’s drinking water supply. In the case of small and rural water supplies, the work of plumbers takes on a critical dimension. As first responders— called on to install, repair or maintain water systems—plumbers must be familiar with the new Water Services Act 2021 and Water Services (Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand) Regulations 2022 to ensure the drinking water systems they work on are compliant, particularly when dealing with roof, spring and bore water supplies.

Plumbers installing drinking water treatment systems for rural supplies should follow the Drinking Water Acceptable Solutions to ensure compliance.

FROM THE SOURCE TO THE TAP

The 2023 Drinking Water Protection Conference, held this August, took a holistic approach to safeguarding water supplies ‘from the source to the last flowing tap’.

Hosted by Water New Zealand’s Backflow Prevention Group, the rebranded conference encouraged collaboration amongst participants working in all areas of drinking water protection—including plumbers, water technicians, engineers, drinking water assessors and policy makers.

The Water Services Act 2021 creates new obligations for those working inside the boundary as well as outside the boundary, and the conference highlighted the need for plumbers to be fully up to speed with the new requirements.

The Water Services Act, which is in effect now, was introduced by water services regulator Taumata Arowai in response to growing concerns about water quality and safety following the Havelock North water contamination event. The Act affects you as a plumber, and gives you the opportunity to expand your services and help keep people safe and healthy.

Drinking Water Acceptable Solutions

Under the new Act, all water suppliers, regardless of size, need to meet the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards. Small water suppliers also need to adopt a Drinking Water Acceptable Solution OR have a Water Safety Plan and comply with new Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules. The rules encompass a wide range of aspects, from water source protection to treatment and distribution. Compliance is not just a legal obligation; it’s a moral responsibility to protect public health.

Plumbers called in to install drinking water treatment systems for roof, bore, spring or mixed-use rural supplies should follow the Drinking Water Acceptable Solutions to ensure the equipment they use complies with the new rules.

Install only validated UV units

A key component in the Acceptable Solutions is the UV unit used for water disinfection. UV disinfection eradicates harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, from water, without relying on chemicals.

It is vital to select the appropriate UV system—one that ensures precise exposure to UV-C light at the ideal wavelength and intensity. A validated UV unit must be installed for drinking water supplies. This ensures the unit has been tested against international standards. The correct UV system guarantees a reliable and uninterrupted water treatment process.

WHAT IS A WATER SUPPLIER?

Under the Water Services Act 2021, everyone supplying water to someone else outside of their own home* will now be considered a water supplier. This includes: a house supplying a neighbouring house or houses businesses, cafés, accommodation places, community buildings, marae etc that have their own water supply.

* For example, if Jeffrey buys a house with its own water supply and his daughters live with him in the house, he is not a water supplier if they are drinking the water in his house. However, if he builds a second house on his property for his parents to live in, and they share the same water supply as his house, he is now a drinking water supplier.

Water supplier process

Register the supply with Taumata Arowai by November 2025. Full compliance required by November 2028.

Supply water that meets the Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand

Take all reasonable practical steps to comply with Aesthetic Values

Comply with an Acceptable Solution

Implement a Water Safety Plan OR

Make sure the supply complies with the Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules

WATER NEW ZEALAND HERE TO HELP

Water New Zealand is a valuable partner for plumbers seeking guidance and resources to navigate the new rules and regulations. Water New Zealand provides information, training and support to help plumbers stay informed and up to date with the latest industry standards and regulatory changes. Check out the online courses covering the basic requirements of the Drinking Water Acceptable Solutions. They include Small Water Supplies 101 and Rural Water Supplies 101, both of which have been reviewed and endorsed by Master Plumbers. www.waternz.org.nz/training