Fact Sheet 6, Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules 2022

    Water Sources

    Sources of water supplies include the following:

    Rainwater

    The term rainwater is used to describe the water that falls on your roof when it rains. It does not include rainfall that is collected from the ground, which is usually called stormwater.

    Surface Water

    Surface water includes water from rivers, streams, dams and springs. Livestock, animals and humans can contaminate surface water with disease-causing microorganisms. Industrial, agricultural, or other runoff can also contaminate surface water with chemicals.

    Groundwater

    Groundwater includes water from bores, or wells. Groundwater can be high quality if the source is well maintained and protected.

    Tankered Water

    Tankered water is used when your tank needs topping up. Tankered water must be drinking water quality and obtained from a registered drinking water carrier.

    SOURCE WATER RISK MANAGEMENT

    Rainwater

    • Regularly clean the roof and gutters collecting rainwater.
    • Use a first-flush or bypass device.
    • Remove overhanging tree branches that may drop leaves into gutters.
    • Paint or remove any lead flashings used in the roof construction.
    • Examine / inspect tank roofs, hatches and inlets/outlets.
    • Install screens on roof gutters and check them regularly.
    • Remove sediments built-up in your tanks every 2 years.
    • Flush pipes when the water supply has not been used for 24 hours or more.

    SOURCE WATER RISK MANAGEMENT

    Surface Water

    • Fence against livestock, protect from septic tank overflows and spills of domestic, agricultural, or industrial chemicals.
    • Check upstream for contamination sources.
    • Check that the intake is clean and in good condition.
    • Check for algae blooms.
    • Operate and maintain any valves or mechanical equipment that may be used.

    Groundwater

    • A groundwater source should be uphill and away from any wastewater disposal system such as a septic tank and trenches.
    • Protect against surface water contamination and install backflow prevention device.
    • Check any openings into the bore head are sealed and watertight.
    • Securely fence around the bore.
    • Maintain your bore infrastructure and pump.

    Tankered Water

    • Clean tanks prior to water delivery.

    As part of the preparation of your source water risk management plan, you should put in place procedures, processes or systems to manage:

    • Shutdowns and outage management
    • Fault and incident response
    • Inventory management

    All New Zealanders need access to SAFE drinking water.

    Download this free guide to help understand the Reform of the Water Sector (Drinking Water) in New Zealand and the new Water Services Act 2021.

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