Water Services Act 2021
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Version as at 1 July 2026
Water Services Act 2021
Public Act |
2021 No 36 |
|
Date of assent |
4 October 2021 |
|
Commencement |
see section 2 |
Note
The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.
Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.
This Act is administered by the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport.
Contents
The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows:
1 Title
This Act is the Water Services Act 2021.
2 Commencement
(1)
This Act comes into force on the earlier of—
(a)
a date appointed by the Governor-General by Order in Council; and
(b)
the date that is 2 years after the date on which this Act receives the Royal assent.
(2)
One or more Orders in Council may be made under subsection (1)(a) appointing different dates for different provisions.
(3)
An Order in Council made under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 2(1)(a): this Act brought into force (except for sections 58, 138, 139, 141(c) and (d), 144, 146(1)(c), 147, and 148), on 15 November 2021, by clause 2(2) of the Water Services Act Commencement Order 2021 (SL 2021/354).
Section 2(1)(a): section 58 brought into force, on 1 March 2022, by clause 2(1) of the Water Services Act Commencement Order 2021 (SL 2021/354).
Part 1 Preliminary provisions
Subpart 1—Purpose and overview
3 Purpose of this Act
(1)
The main purpose of this Act is to ensure that drinking water suppliers provide safe drinking water to consumers by—
(a)
providing a drinking water regulatory framework that is consistent with internationally accepted best practice, including a duty on drinking water suppliers to—
(i)
have a drinking water safety plan; and
(ii)
comply with legislative requirements (such as drinking water standards) on a consistent basis; and
(b)
providing a source water risk management framework that, together with the Resource Management Act 1991, regulations made under that Act, and the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, enables risks to source water to be properly identified, managed, and monitored; and
(c)
providing mechanisms that enable the regulation of drinking water to be proportionate to the scale, complexity, and risk profile of each drinking water supply.
(2)
This Act has the following additional purposes:
(a)
to establish a framework to provide transparency about the performance of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater networks and network operators; and
(b)
to provide mechanisms that build and maintain capability among drinking water suppliers and across the wider water services sector; and
(ba)
to ensure that a quantity of drinking water sufficient to support the ordinary drinking water and sanitary needs of consumers is provided to each point of supply; and
(c)
to establish a framework for the continuous and progressive improvement of the quality of water services in New Zealand.
Section 3(1)(b): amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Section 3(2)(ba): inserted, on 31 August 2023, by section 233 of the Water Services Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 52).
4 Overview of this Act
(1)
In this Act,—
(a)
this Part contains the purpose of this Act, definitions, key terms and key principles, and other preliminary provisions:
(b)
(i)
contains provisions relating to the supply of drinking water:
(ii)
includes occupational regulation provisions in subpart 10 that apply to the operators of both drinking water supplies and wastewater networks:
(c)
Part 3 contains monitoring, compliance, and enforcement provisions:
(d)
Part 4 contains regulation-making powers and miscellaneous provisions:
(e)
Part 5 contains amendments to the Local Government Act 2002.
(2)
This section is only a guide to the general scheme and effect of this Act.
Subpart 2—Interpretation
General
5 Interpretation
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
abstraction point means the location at which source water is abstracted for use in a drinking water supply (for example, the location at which water is abstracted from a river, stream, lake, or aquifer)
acceptable solution or verification method means a drinking water acceptable solution or verification method issued under section 50
agent includes a contractor
approved form means a form provided by the Water Services Authority
associate coroner means a person who holds office as an associate coroner under the Coroners Act 2006
backflow means the unplanned reversal of flow of water or mixtures of water and contaminants into the water supply system
backflow prevention device means a device that prevents backflow
chief executive means the chief executive of the Water Services Authority
compliance, monitoring, and enforcement strategy means the compliance, monitoring, and enforcement strategy developed under section 136
compliance officer means a compliance officer appointed under section 98
compliance rules means compliance rules made under section 49
consumer means a person who consumes or uses drinking water supplied by a drinking water supplier
coroner includes an associate coroner to the extent that they have the jurisdiction of a coroner under the Coroners Act 2006
Crown organisation has the same meaning as in section 4 of the Crown Organisations (Criminal Liability) Act 2002
department means a department listed in Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Public Service Act 2020
domestic dwelling has the meaning set out in section 10
domestic self-supply has the meaning set out in section 10
drinking water has the meaning set out in section 6
drinking water safety plan means the drinking water safety plan required by section 30
drinking water standards means the standards made under section 47
drinking water supplier has the meaning set out in section 8
drinking water supply has the meaning set out in section 9
end-point treatment means treatment of drinking water at the final point of the supply at which the consumer can consume, use, or collect drinking water
end-point treatment device means a device used for end-point treatment as part of an acceptable solution or verification method
green water services infrastructure—
(a)
means a natural or semi-natural area, feature, or process that mimics natural areas, features, or processes that are planned or managed to provide water services; and
(b)
includes an engineered system that is an area, feature, or process that complies with paragraph (a)
illness means any acute or chronic illness
legislative requirement—
(a)
means a requirement imposed by—
(i)
this Act; or
(ii)
secondary legislation made under this Act; or
(iii)
a direction issued by a compliance officer under section 104; or
(iv)
a compliance order issued under section 120; but
(b)
does not include a requirement in—
(i)
a wastewater environmental performance standard made under section 138; or
(ii)
an environmental performance measure or target for networks made under section 145
local authority has the same meaning as in section 5(1) of the Local Government Act 2002
marae includes the area of land on which all buildings such as wharenui, wharekai, wharepaku, papakāinga, and any other associated buildings are situated
medical officer of health means a medical officer of health appointed under the Health Act 1956
Minister means the Minister of the Crown who, under the authority of any warrant or with the authority of the Prime Minister, is responsible for the administration of this Act
mixed-use rural water scheme has the meaning set out in section 13A
National Engineering Design Standards and NEDS means the National Engineering Design Standards set out in regulations
National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management means the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management issued in 2020 under section 52 of the Resource Management Act 1991 and any statement issued under that section that amends or replaces the 2020 statement
New Zealand Defence Force has the same meaning as the term Defence Force in section 2(1) of the Defence Act 1990
officer, in relation to a drinking water supply,—
(a)
if the owner or operator is a company,—
(i)
means any person occupying the position of a director of the company by whatever name called; and
(ii)
includes any other person occupying a position in relation to the company that allows the person to exercise significant influence over the management of the drinking water supply (for example, a chief executive):
(b)
if the owner or operator is a partnership (other than a limited partnership), means any partner:
(c)
if the owner or operator is a limited partnership, means any general partner:
(d)
if the owner or operator is a body corporate or an unincorporated body, other than a company, partnership, or limited partnership,—
(i)
means any person occupying a position in the body that is comparable with that of a director of a company; and
(ii)
includes any other person occupying a position in relation to the body that allows the person to exercise significant influence over the management of the drinking water supply (for example, a chief executive):
(e)
does not include a person who merely advises or makes recommendations to a person referred to in any of paragraphs (a) to (d), or who completes discrete operational tasks concerning the supply:
(f)
does not include a Minister of the Crown acting in that capacity
operator has the meaning set out in section 11
overland flow path means any flow path taken by stormwater on the surface of land
owner has the meaning set out in section 12
point of supply has the meaning set out in section 13
raw water means water that has been abstracted from a source, but has not been subject to any treatment or other processes that may be required to make it safe to consume
registered, in relation to a drinking water supply, means a drinking water supply registered in accordance with the requirements of subpart 7 of Part 2
safe, in relation to drinking water, has the meaning set out in section 7
shared domestic supplier has the meaning set out in section 10
source, source water, and source of a drinking water supply mean—
(a)
the water body from which water is abstracted for use in a drinking water supply (for example, a river, stream, lake, or aquifer); and
(aa)
an open-air artificial watercourse from which water is abstracted for use in a drinking water supply (for example, an open-air irrigation canal, water supply race, canal for the supply of water for electricity generation, or farm drainage channel); and
(b)
rainwater
source water risk management plan means a plan required by section 43
stormwater network—
(a)
means the infrastructure and processes that—
(i)
are used to collect, treat, drain, store, reuse, or discharge stormwater in an urban area; and
(ii)
are owned or operated by, for, or on behalf of one of the following:
(A)
a local authority, water organisation, or subsidiary of a water organisation:
(B)
a department:
(C)
the New Zealand Defence Force; and
(b)
includes—
(i)
an overland flow path:
(ii)
green water services infrastructure that delivers stormwater services:
(iii)
watercourses that are part of, or related to, the infrastructure described in paragraph (a)
stormwater network operator means—
(a)
each of the following entities (to the extent that a stormwater network is operated, or its operation or aspects of its operation are supervised, by, for, or on behalf of the entity):
(i)
a local authority, water organisation, or subsidiary of a water organisation:
(ii)
a department:
(iii)
the New Zealand Defence Force; and
(b)
any person who operates a stormwater network, or any aspect of a stormwater network, for, or on behalf of, an organisation specified in paragraph (a)
sufficient quantity, in relation to the drinking water supplied to a point of supply, has the meaning set out in section 25(2)
territorial authority has the same meaning as in section 5(1) of the Local Government Act 2002
trade waste means any waste that is—
(a)
produced for an industrial or a trade purpose, or a related purpose; and
(b)
discharged into a wastewater network
unplanned, in relation to the supply of drinking water, has the meaning set out in section 34(2)
urban area—
(a)
means an area identified in a district plan or proposed district plan as being primarily zoned for residential, industrial, or commercial activities, together with adjoining special-purpose and open-space zones, however described; but
(b)
does not include an area zoned primarily for rural or rural-residential activities, however described
wastewater network means the infrastructure and processes that—
(a)
are used to collect, store, transmit through reticulation, treat, or discharge wastewater; and
(b)
are operated by, for, or on behalf of one of the following:
(i)
a local authority, water organisation, or subsidiary of a water organisation:
(ii)
a department:
(iii)
the New Zealand Defence Force
wastewater network operator means—
(a)
each of the following entities (to the extent that a wastewater network is operated, or its operation or aspects of its operation are supervised, by, for, or on behalf of the entity):
(i)
a local authority, water organisation, or subsidiary of a water organisation:
(ii)
a department:
(iii)
the New Zealand Defence Force; and
(b)
any person who operates a wastewater network, or any aspect of a wastewater network, for, or on behalf of, an organisation specified in paragraph (a); and
(c)
an organisation or individual involved in the operation of a wastewater network if the organisation or individual is authorised or included on a register in accordance with regulations made under section 200
water—
(a)
has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Resource Management Act 1991; but
(b)
includes water in any form while in any pipe, tank, or cistern
water carrier means a drinking water supplier that transports drinking water (other than by reticulation) for the purpose of supplying it to consumers or another drinking water supplier.
water organisation has the same meaning as in section 4 of the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
water service provider has the same meaning as in section 4 of the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
water services means services relating to water supply, wastewater, and stormwater
Water Services Authority means the Water Services Authority—Taumata Arowai established by section 8 of the Water Services Authority—Taumata Arowai Act 2020
water services bylaw has the same meaning as in section 4 of the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
watercourse means a watercourse that is part of, or related to, the drainage or discharge of stormwater in an urban area
Section 5 associate coroner: inserted, on 5 April 2023, by section 36 of the Coroners Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 8).
Section 5 approved form: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 5 chief executive: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 5 coroner: inserted, on 5 April 2023, by section 36 of the Coroners Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 8).
Section 5 council-controlled organisation: repealed, on 27 August 2025, by section 121(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 5 green water services infrastructure: inserted, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 5 marae: inserted, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 5 mixed-use rural water scheme: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 121(7) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 5 National Engineering Design Standards: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 121(7) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 5 National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management: inserted, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Section 5 National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management: repealed, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(1) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 5 NPF freshwater provisions: repealed, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Section 5 overland flow path: inserted, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 5 shared domestic supplier: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 121(7) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 5 source, source water, and source of a drinking supply paragraph (aa): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 121(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 5 stormwater network: replaced, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 5 stormwater network paragraph (a)(ii)(A): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 121(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 5 stormwater network operator paragraph (a): amended, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 5 stormwater network operator paragraph (a)(i): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 121(4) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 5 Taumata Arowai: repealed, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 5 territorial authority: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 121(7) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 5 trade waste: inserted, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 5 wastewater network paragraph (b)(i): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 121(5) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 5 wastewater network operator paragraph (a): amended, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 5 wastewater network operator paragraph (a)(i): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 121(6) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 5 water: inserted, on 23 August 2023, by section 48 of the Water Services Entities Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 44).
Section 5 water organisation: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 121(7) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 5 water service provider: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 121(7) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 5 water services: inserted, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 5 Water Services Authority: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 5 water services bylaw: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 121(7) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 5 watercourse: inserted, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Key terms
6 Meaning of drinking water
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, drinking water—
(a)
means water that is used for—
(i)
human consumption; or
(ii)
oral hygiene; or
(iii)
preparing food, drink, or other products for human consumption; or
(iv)
washing utensils that are used for eating and drinking, or for preparing, serving, or storing food or drink for human consumption; but
(b)
does not include—
(i)
bottled water that is prepared or manufactured by a food business, and is regulated, under the Food Act 2014; and
(ii)
water, if its use is regulated under the Food Act 2014, the Animal Products Act 1999, or the Wine Act 2003.
Examples
Water that is used for washing potatoes by a horticultural business, where the use is regulated under the Food Act 2014, is not drinking water.
Water that is used for the cleaning of processing machines by a poultry processor or by a business that operates under a registered risk management programme under the Animal Products Act 1999 is not drinking water if the use of the water is regulated under that Act.
7 Meaning of safe in relation to drinking water
(1)
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, safe, in relation to drinking water, means drinking water that is unlikely to cause a serious risk of death, injury, or illness,—
(a)
immediately or over time; and
(b)
whether or not the serious risk is caused by—
(i)
the consumption or use of drinking water; or
(ii)
other causes together with the consumption or use of drinking water.
(2)
For the purposes of subsection (1), the assessment of serious risk must take into account, among other factors, compliance with drinking water standards.
(3)
Drinking water is not unsafe merely because—
(a)
a person objects to it, or substances in it, because of personal preference; or
(b)
it does not comply with aesthetic values; or
(c)
it contains substances that comply with minimum or maximum acceptable values for chemical, radiological, microbiological, or other characteristics of drinking water in the drinking water standards.
8 Meaning of drinking water supplier
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, drinking water supplier—
(a)
means a person who supplies drinking water through a drinking water supply; and
(b)
includes a person who ought reasonably to know that the water they are supplying is or will be used as drinking water; and
(c)
includes the owner and the operator of a drinking water supply; and
(d)
includes a person described in paragraph (a), (b), or (c) who supplies drinking water to another drinking water supplier; but
(e)
does not include a domestic self-supplier or a shared domestic supplier.
Section 8(e): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 122 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
9 Meaning of drinking water supply
(1)
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, drinking water supply—
(a)
means the infrastructure and processes used to abstract, store, treat, transmit, or transport drinking water for supply to consumers or another drinking water supplier; and
(b)
includes—
(i)
the point of supply; and
(ii)
any end-point treatment device; and
(iii)
any backflow prevention device; but
(c)
does not include a temporary drinking water supply provided for under section 33 or 34, a domestic self-supply, or a shared domestic supply.
(2)
The Water Services Authority may, by notice in the Gazette, declare the provision of water by a person or a class of persons—
(a)
to be a drinking water supply if the Water Services Authority is satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that the water is or will be used as drinking water; or
(b)
not to be a drinking water supply if the Water Services Authority is satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that—
(i)
the water is not or will not be used as drinking water; or
(ii)
the person is a consumer, or the class of persons is a class of consumers; or
(iii)
the water is source water.
(3)
When deciding whether to make a declaration under subsection (2), the Water Services Authority—
(a)
must take into account the main purpose of this Act (see section 3(1)); and
(b)
may take into account the extent of the infrastructure providing the water and the level of risk to consumers that would follow from making the declaration.
(4)
A declaration made under this section that applies to a class of persons is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 s 74(1)(aa) | ||
| • publish it in accordance with the Legislation (Publication) Regulations 2021 | ||||
| • publish it in the Gazette | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 9(1)(c): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 123(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 9(2): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 123(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 9(3): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 123(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 9(4): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 123(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
10 Meaning of domestic self-supply and shared domestic supplier
(1)
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
domestic self-supply means a stand-alone domestic dwelling that has its own supply of drinking water, and domestic self-supplier has a corresponding meaning
shared domestic supplier means a person (person A) who—
(a)
supplies drinking water to no more than 25 consumers who reside in domestic dwellings located on—
(i)
the land from which person A supplies the drinking water; or
(ii)
any other land; and
(b)
is not a domestic self-supplier or a water carrier
shared domestic supply has a corresponding meaning to shared domestic supplier.
(2)
In this Act,—
domestic dwelling means a building that is used as a single household unit, whether it is—
(a)
tenanted on a long- or short-term basis; or
(b)
occupied permanently or temporarily (for example, a holiday home)
household unit has the meaning given to it by section 7(1) of the Building Act 2004.
Examples
A single property with tenants on a lease that is supplied by a rainwater tank is a domestic self-supply.
A single holiday house that is supplied by a rainwater tank and is rented to tourists on a short-term basis is a domestic self-supply.
A multi-dwelling building (for example, multiple separate apartments contained in a single building) that has its own bore water supply is not a domestic self-supply.
A marae wharekai (dining hall) or community hall that has its own river water supply is not a domestic self-supply.
A café building supplied by a rainwater tank is not a domestic self-supply.
A person who supplies a neighbouring school with drinking water is not a shared domestic supplier.
A person who supplies 40 homes on the same street with drinking water is not a shared domestic supplier.
A person who supplies a home and fruit packhouse on a neighbouring property is not a shared domestic supplier.
Section 10: replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 124 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
11 Meaning of operator
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, operator, in relation to a drinking water supply,—
(a)
means the person who operates the supply or supervises its operation or aspects of its operation; and
(b)
includes an organisation or individual involved in the operation of a drinking water supply if the organisation or individual is authorised or included on a register in accordance with regulations made under section 200.
12 Meaning of owner
(1)
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, owner, in relation to a drinking water supply, means the person who has effective control of the drinking water supply.
(2)
The matters that may be considered for the purpose of determining whether a person has effective control of a drinking water supply include whether the person—
(a)
owns the drinking water infrastructure; or
(b)
owns or has long-term control of the land on which the drinking water infrastructure is based; or
(c)
directs or has control over decisions about the funding or maintenance of the drinking water infrastructure, or collects fees, levies, or other charges from consumers in relation to the infrastructure; or
(d)
controls how the management of the supply is resourced (for example, has the power to subcontract work).
13 Meaning of point of supply
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, point of supply, in relation to a drinking water supply, means,—
(a)
if the supply is a reticulated network, the toby, reservoir float valve, or other final point of the supply to which the consumer’s or another drinking water supplier’s own infrastructure connects; or
(b)
if the supply is from a non-reticulated supply, community water tap, or other type of supply, the final point of the supply at which the consumer or another drinking water supplier can consume, use, or collect drinking water; or
(c)
if the supply includes an end-point treatment device, the end-point treatment device; or
(d)
if the supply is from a water carrier, the final point at which drinking water is supplied to the consumer’s or another drinking water supplier’s own infrastructure.
13A Meaning of mixed-use rural water scheme
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, mixed-use rural water scheme means—
(a)
a water supply that meets the criteria for being a mixed-use rural water scheme that are specified in a drinking water acceptable solution issued under section 50; or
(b)
if no drinking water acceptable solution has specified criteria for being a mixed-use rural water scheme, a drinking water supply that supplies water to consumers’ properties and for which the following statements are true:
(i)
no less than 50% of the water supplied is intended to be used for agricultural purposes or horticultural purposes, or both:
(ii)
no more than 50% of the water supplied is intended to be used for domestic purposes (including for drinking water).
Section 13A: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 125 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 3—Key principles relating to functions, powers, and duties
14 Te Mana o te Wai: meaning, application, effect
[Repealed]Section 14: repealed, on 27 August 2025, by section 126 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
15 Duties not transferable
A duty imposed on a person by or under this Act may not be transferred to another person.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 31
16 Person may have more than 1 duty
A person may have more than 1 duty imposed on the person by or under this Act if—
(a)
the person belongs to more than 1 class of duty holder; or
(b)
the Act otherwise imposes more than 1 duty on the person.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 32
17 More than 1 person may have same duty
(1)
More than 1 person may have the same duty imposed by or under this Act at the same time.
(2)
Each duty holder must comply with that duty to the standard required by or under this Act even if another duty holder has the same duty.
(3)
If more than 1 person has a duty for the same matter, each person—
(a)
retains responsibility for that person’s duty in relation to the matter; and
(b)
must discharge that person’s duty to the extent to which the person has the ability to influence and control the matter, or would have had that ability but for an agreement or arrangement purporting to limit or remove that ability.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 33
Subpart 4—General
18 Transitional, savings, and related provisions
The transitional, savings, and related provisions set out in Schedule 1 have effect according to their terms.
19 Act binds the Crown
(1)
This Act binds the Crown.
(2)
An instrument of the Crown that is a Crown organisation (whether or not a body corporate)—
(a)
must be treated as if it were a separate legal personality for the purpose of complying with this Act; and
(b)
may be a drinking water supplier in its own right.
(3)
An instrument of the Crown that is not a Crown organisation or a body corporate—
(a)
does not have separate legal personality; and
(b)
must not be a drinking water supplier in its own right.
(4)
This section is subject to section 20.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 5
19A Application to New Zealand Defence Force
(1)
Despite section 19, this Act does not apply to the New Zealand Defence Force supplying water services if the Chief of Defence Force, or any other officer or person authorised by the Chief of Defence Force, has—
(a)
issued and promulgated a Defence Force Instruction; and
(b)
provided a copy of the Instruction to the Water Services Authority.
(2)
The Chief of Defence Force, or any other officer or person authorised by the Chief of Defence Force, must consult the Water Services Authority before issuing and promulgating a Defence Force Instruction under subsection (1).
(3)
However, despite issuing and promulgating a Defence Force Instruction, the Chief of Defence Force must ensure that the supply of water services by the New Zealand Defence Force—
(a)
complies with the requirements of this Act to the extent that is reasonably practicable; and
(b)
is carried out in accordance with the Defence Force Instruction by—
(i)
members of the New Zealand Defence Force; and
(ii)
any other person.
(4)
The Chief of Defence Force, or any other officer or person authorised by the Chief of Defence Force, must, in consultation with the Water Services Authority, periodically review the requirements in the Defence Force Instruction for supplying water services.
(5)
In this section, unless the context otherwise requires,—
New Zealand Defence Force means the New Zealand Defence Force constituted under the Defence Act 1990
officer has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Defence Act 1990.
Section 19A: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 127 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
20 Enforcement of Act against the Crown
(1)
This Act may be enforced against the Crown only in the manner provided in this section.
Prosecution of offences
(2)
An instrument of the Crown may be prosecuted for an offence against this Act, but only if—
(a)
the instrument is a Crown organisation; and
(b)
the proceedings are commenced—
(i)
against the Crown organisation in its own name and the proceedings do not cite the Crown as a defendant; and
(ii)
in accordance with the Crown Organisations (Criminal Liability) Act 2002.
Issue of infringement notices
(3)
An infringement notice may be served on an instrument of the Crown in accordance with this Act, but only if—
(a)
the instrument is a Crown organisation; and
(b)
the instrument is liable to be proceeded against for the alleged offence under subsection (2); and
(c)
the notice is served on the Crown organisation in its own name.
Injunctions
(4)
Despite section 17(1)(a) of the Crown Proceedings Act 1950, an injunction may be granted or another order made against an instrument of the Crown in accordance with this Act, but only if—
(a)
the instrument is a Crown organisation; and
(b)
the order or injunction is made against the Crown organisation in its own name.
Directions and compliance orders issued under this Act
(5)
A direction issued under section 104 may be issued against an instrument of the Crown, but only if—
(a)
the instrument is a Crown organisation; and
(b)
the direction is issued against the Crown organisation in its own name.
(6)
A compliance order served under section 120 may be served on an instrument of the Crown in accordance with this Act, but only if—
(a)
the instrument is a Crown organisation; and
(b)
the order is served on the Crown organisation in its own name.
District Court orders
(7)
An order may be made by the District Court against an instrument of the Crown in accordance with this Act, but only if—
(a)
the instrument is a Crown organisation; and
(b)
the order is made against the Crown organisation in its own name.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 6
Part 2 Provisions relating to supply of drinking water
Subpart 1—Duties of drinking water suppliers
21 Duty to supply safe drinking water
(1)
A drinking water supplier must ensure that the drinking water supplied by the supplier is safe.
(2)
If there is a reasonable likelihood that a supplier’s drinking water is or may be unsafe, the supplier must—
(a)
take immediate action to ensure that public health is protected; and
(b)
notify the Water Services Authority that the drinking water is or may be unsafe; and
(c)
investigate the source or cause of the problem; and
(d)
take remedial action to rectify the problem; and
(e)
identify and implement measures required to ensure that the problem does not reoccur; and
(f)
take all practicable steps, to the satisfaction of the Water Services Authority, to advise affected consumers and drinking water suppliers that drinking water is or may be unsafe and what measures should be taken to protect public health (for example, boiling).
(3)
The duty under subsection (1) does not apply beyond the point of supply.
Section 21(2)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 21(2)(f): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
22 Duty to comply with drinking water standards
(1)
A drinking water supplier must ensure that the drinking water supplied by the supplier complies with the drinking water standards.
(2)
If a supplier’s drinking water does not comply with the drinking water standards, the supplier must—
(a)
take immediate action to ensure that public health is protected; and
(b)
notify the Water Services Authority of the non-compliance; and
(c)
investigate the source or cause of the non-compliance; and
(d)
take remedial action to rectify the situation; and
(e)
identify and implement measures required to ensure that the event does not reoccur; and
(f)
take all practicable steps, to the satisfaction of the Water Services Authority, to advise affected consumers and drinking water suppliers that drinking water does not comply with the drinking water standards and what measures should be taken to protect public health (for example, boiling).
(3)
The duty under subsection (1) does not apply beyond the point of supply.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69V
Section 22(2)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 22(2)(f): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
23 Duty of owner of drinking water supply to register supply
(1)
Every individual drinking water supply must be registered under section 55.
(2)
The owner of a drinking water supply must ensure that the supply is registered in accordance with the requirements of subpart 7.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69K(1), (2)
24 Duty to take reasonable steps to supply aesthetically acceptable drinking water
A drinking water supplier must take all reasonably practicable steps to supply drinking water that complies with aesthetic values issued by the Water Services Authority under section 48.
Section 24: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
25 Duty to provide sufficient quantity of drinking water
(1)
A drinking water supplier (other than a water carrier) must ensure that a sufficient quantity of drinking water is provided to each point of supply to which that supplier supplies drinking water.
(2)
In this Act, sufficient quantity, in relation to the drinking water supplied to a point of supply, means—
(a)
the quantity of drinking water that is sufficient to support the ordinary drinking water and sanitary needs of consumers at the point of supply; or
(b)
if compliance rules have been made prescribing the quantity of drinking water or a formula for determining the quantity of drinking water that is sufficient to support the ordinary drinking water needs of consumers at a point of supply, the amount specified in, or calculated according to the formula set out in, those rules.
(3)
Subsection (1) does not prevent a drinking water supplier restricting or interrupting the provision of drinking water to a point of supply if, in the opinion of the supplier, the action is necessary because of—
(a)
maintenance, improvement, or repairs to a drinking water supply or related infrastructure; or
(b)
risks to public health; or
(c)
environmental factors affecting a source of a drinking water supply; or
(d)
an emergency; or
(e)
cultural factors affecting a source of a drinking water supply (for example, a rāhui).
Examples
A drinking water supplier may need to restrict or interrupt supply of drinking water where infrastructure such as a pipeline or treatment plant is damaged.
A drinking water supplier may need to restrict or interrupt supply of drinking water where contamination of the supply occurs and public health is at risk.
A drinking water supplier may need to restrict or interrupt supply of drinking water where a drought occurs and the source of the drinking water supply can no longer support continuous supply to consumers.
A drinking water supplier may need to restrict or interrupt supply of drinking water in case of a fire emergency.
A drinking water supplier may need to restrict or interrupt supply of drinking water where a person has drowned and a rāhui is placed over the source of a drinking water supply.
(4)
Any planned restriction or interruption of the supply of drinking water by a drinking water supplier must not exceed 8 hours on any 1 occasion unless—
(a)
the supplier—
(i)
has obtained the prior approval of the Water Services Authority; or
(ii)
complies with a compliance rule that relates to the restriction or interruption of supply for more than 8 hours and that applies to the supplier; and
(b)
the supplier has taken, and continues to take, all practicable steps to advise affected consumers of the interruption or restriction.
(5)
A restriction or interruption of the supply of drinking water that is unforeseen or due to an emergency must not exceed 8 hours on any 1 occasion unless the drinking water supplier—
(a)
has notified the Water Services Authority of the reasons for the interruption or restriction as soon as practicable and, in any event, no later than 24 hours after the commencement of the interruption or restriction; and
(b)
has taken, and continues to take, all practicable steps to advise affected consumers of the interruption or restriction.
(6)
In any event where the restriction or interruption of the supply of drinking water exceeds 8 hours, the drinking water supplier must make arrangements to ensure that a sufficient quantity of drinking water is available to affected consumers through an alternative supply (for example, by water carrier).
(7)
To avoid doubt, a drinking water supplier—
(a)
may restrict supply to a point of supply if the relevant customer has unpaid accounts for any previous supply of drinking water or has failed to remedy water leaks that the customer is obliged to remedy; but
(b)
must, despite any non-payment or failure referred to in paragraph (a), continue to provide a sufficient quantity of drinking water in accordance with subsection (1).
(8)
This section is subject to section 26 and to any contrary provisions in the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002.
(9)
[Repealed]Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69S
Section 25(2)(a): amended, on 31 August 2023, by section 236(1) of the Water Services Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 52).
Section 25(3)(a): amended, on 27 November 2025, by section 159(1) of the Statutes Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 74).
Section 25(3) example: amended, on 27 November 2025, by section 159(2) of the Statutes Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 74).
Section 25(4)(a)(i): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 25(5)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 25(9): repealed, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
26 Duties where sufficient quantity of drinking water at imminent risk
(1)
If any drinking water supplier considers that the supplier’s ability to maintain a sufficient quantity of drinking water in accordance with section 25 is or may be at imminent risk for any reason, the supplier must—
(a)
notify the Water Services Authority, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and the local authorities in the area where the water is supplied of the circumstances giving rise to the risk; and
(b)
request that 1 or more of those local authorities exercise their powers under any enactment (for example, by making a bylaw to restrict the use of water for other than essential purposes) to assist that supplier to continue to provide a sufficient quantity of drinking water; and
(c)
if the supplier supplies drinking water to another drinking water supplier, notify that other drinking water supplier of the circumstances giving rise to the risk.
(2)
The supplier must also notify further parties if so required by the Water Services Authority.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69T
Section 26(1)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 26(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
27 Duty to protect against risk of backflow
(1)
If a drinking water supply includes reticulation, the drinking water supplier must ensure that the supply arrangements protect against the risk of backflow.
(2)
If there is a risk of backflow in a reticulated drinking water supply, the drinking water supplier may—
(a)
install a backflow prevention device and require the owner of the premises to reimburse the supplier for the cost of installation, maintenance, and ongoing testing of the device; or
(b)
require the owner of the premises to install, maintain, and test a backflow prevention device that incorporates a verifiable monitoring system in accordance with any requirements imposed by the supplier.
(3)
A person who installs a backflow protection device must take all reasonable steps to ensure it operates in a way that does not compromise the operation of any fire extinguisher system connected to the drinking water supply.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZZZ
28 Duties relating to end-point treatment
(1)
A drinking water supplier may only use end-point treatment of a drinking water supply if the end-point treatment is used to satisfy an acceptable solution or verification method.
(2)
If a drinking water supply includes end-point treatment, the drinking water supplier is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and ongoing testing of an end-point treatment device.
(3)
A drinking water supplier may,—
(a)
install an end-point treatment device and require the owner of the premises to reimburse the supplier for the cost of installation, maintenance, and ongoing testing of the device; or
(b)
require the owner of the premises to install, maintain, and test an end-point treatment device that incorporates a verifiable monitoring system that complies with an acceptable solution or verification method.
(4)
A person who installs an end-point treatment device must take all reasonable steps to ensure that it operates in a way that does not compromise the operation of any fire extinguisher system connected to the drinking water supply.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZZZ
29 Duty of officers, employees, and agents to exercise due diligence
(1)
If a drinking water supplier has a duty under a legislative requirement, every officer, employee, and agent of the drinking water supplier must exercise due diligence to ensure that the drinking water supplier complies with that duty.
(2)
For the purposes of subsection (1), an officer, employee, or agent of a drinking water supplier must exercise the care, diligence, and skill that a reasonable officer, employee, or agent would exercise in the same circumstances, taking into account (without limitation)—
(a)
the scale, complexity, and risk of the drinking water supply; and
(b)
the position of the officer, employee, or agent and the nature of the responsibilities they undertake.
(3)
Despite subsection (1), a member of the governing body of a local authority elected in accordance with the Local Electoral Act 2001 does not have a duty to exercise due diligence to ensure that any water organisation complies with its duties under legislative requirements, unless that member is also an officer of that water organisation.
(4)
In this section, due diligence includes taking reasonable steps—
(a)
to acquire, and keep up to date, knowledge of the supply of safe drinking water and other drinking water supply matters; and
(b)
to gain an understanding of—
(i)
the nature of the relevant drinking water supply, its source water, its drinking water safety plan and its implementation, and the consumers the supply serves; and
(ii)
the hazards and risks associated with the drinking water supply and its operation; and
(iii)
how to identify, minimise, and control or eliminate the hazards or risks as part of the operation of the drinking water supply; and
(c)
to ensure that the drinking water supplier—
(i)
has available for use, and uses, appropriate resources and processes to implement its drinking water safety plan; and
(ii)
has appropriate processes for identifying and considering information regarding hazards and risk, and for responding to them; and
(iii)
has, and implements, processes for complying with any duty of the supplier under any legislative requirement.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 44
Section 29(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 128 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 2—Drinking water safety plans
30 Owner must have drinking water safety plan
(1)
An owner of a drinking water supply must prepare a drinking water safety plan in relation to the owner’s supply that complies with legislative requirements.
(1A)
However, the owner of a drinking water supply is not required to prepare a drinking water safety plan if the drinking water supply supplies no more than 25 consumers.
(2)
The owner must lodge with the Water Services Authority—
(a)
a copy of the plan; and
(b)
if the owner makes material changes to, or replaces, the plan, a copy of the amended or replacement plan as soon as is reasonably practicable after the amendment or replacement is made.
(3)
The owner must—
(a)
implement the plan; and
(b)
ensure that the owner’s drinking water supply is operated in accordance with the plan.
(4)
An owner of a drinking water supply may satisfy the requirement in subsection (3)(b) in respect of a drinking water plan or an aspect of the plan by employing or engaging an operator.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69Z(1), (4), (5)
Section 30(1A): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 129 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 30(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
31 Drinking water safety plans
(1)
A drinking water safety plan must—
(a)
be proportionate to the scale and complexity of, and the risks that relate to, the drinking water supply; and
(b)
identify any hazards that relate to the drinking water supply, including emerging or potential hazards; and
(c)
assess any risks that are associated with those hazards; and
(d)
identify how those risks will be managed, controlled, or eliminated to ensure that drinking water is safe and complies with legislative requirements; and
(e)
identify how the drinking water safety plan will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and how its implementation will be amended, if necessary, to ensure that drinking water is safe and complies with legislative requirements; and
(f)
identify how the drinking water supply will be monitored to ensure that drinking water is safe and complies with legislative requirements; and
(g)
include procedures to verify that the drinking water safety plan is working effectively; and
(h)
include a multi-barrier approach to drinking water safety that will be implemented as part of the plan; and
(i)
include a source water risk management plan if required by section 43; and
(j)
where a drinking water supply includes reticulation, require, and provide for the use of, residual disinfection in the supply unless an exemption is obtained under section 58; and
(k)
identify how a supplier will meet the supplier’s duty under section 25 to ensure that a sufficient quantity of drinking water is provided to each point of supply; and
(l)
identify how a supplier will respond to events and emergencies; and
(m)
comply with any requirements set out in compliance rules.
(2)
A multi-barrier approach to drinking water safety is one that the Water Services Authority considers will—
(a)
prevent hazards from entering the raw water; and
(b)
remove particles, pathogens, and chemical and radiological hazards from the water; and
(c)
kill or inactivate pathogens in the water; and
(d)
maintain the quality of water in the reticulation system.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69Z(2), (3)
Section 31(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
32 Water Services Authority to review drinking water safety plans and monitor compliance
(1)
The Water Services Authority must perform the following functions in accordance with the compliance, monitoring, and enforcement strategy:
(a)
review drinking water safety plans, including for compliance with legislative requirements:
(b)
monitor compliance with drinking water safety plans by drinking water suppliers:
(c)
monitor compliance with source water risk management plans, including any undertakings made by third parties to the plan, by drinking water suppliers:
(d)
monitor compliance with other legislative requirements, including (for example) acceptable solutions or verification methods, by drinking water suppliers:
(e)
establish ongoing monitoring and review arrangements to ensure that drinking water suppliers—
(i)
appropriately identify and assess risks and hazards that relate to drinking water supplies; and
(ii)
make changes, if necessary, to drinking water safety plans to reflect changes in the risks and hazards.
(2)
The Water Services Authority must have regard to the scale, complexity, and risk profile of drinking water supplies when performing the functions in subsection (1).
(3)
For the purposes of performing its functions under subsection (1), the Water Services Authority may issue a written notice to a drinking water supplier requiring the supplier to provide the Water Services Authority with one or both of the following types of information:
(a)
a written statement as to whether the drinking water supplier has complied with a particular legislative requirement:
(b)
information that will enable the Water Services Authority to determine whether a particular legislative requirement has been complied with.
(4)
In addition to the information specified in subsection (3), the Water Services Authority may require the drinking water supplier to provide a certificate to confirm that the information provided under this section is accurate and complete.
(5)
A certificate under subsection (4) must—
(a)
be in the form specified by the Water Services Authority; and
(b)
be signed by—
(i)
the drinking water supplier’s chief executive; or
(ii)
at least 1 board member or director of the drinking water supplier; or
(iii)
if the drinking water supplier has no board or director, a person occupying a position that is comparable to a board member or director.
(6)
The Water Services Authority may issue a written notice under subsection (3) only to a drinking water supplier that is—
(a)
a territorial authority; or
(b)
a water organisation; or
(c)
a government department; or
(d)
the New Zealand Defence Force.
Section 32 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 32(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 32(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 32(3): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 130 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 32(4): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 130 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 32(5): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 130 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 32(6): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 130 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
33 Planned events
(1)
This section applies to a planned event, such as a festival or other organised gathering or camp, where the organiser intends to supply drinking water to persons attending the event.
(2)
If this section applies, the event organiser must—
(a)
arrange for drinking water to be supplied from a registered drinking water supply (for example, by a water carrier); or
(b)
apply to the Water Services Authority for registration of a temporary drinking water supply.
(3)
An applicant for registration of a temporary drinking water supply must lodge with the application a temporary drinking water safety plan in an approved form.
(4)
The Water Services Authority may register a temporary drinking water supply, subject to any conditions it considers necessary to ensure that the drinking water is safe and complies with drinking water standards.
(5)
If the event organiser supplies drinking water from a temporary drinking water supply, the event organiser must ensure that the drinking water is supplied in accordance with—
(a)
the requirements of the temporary drinking water safety plan; and
(b)
any conditions imposed by the Water Services Authority; and
(c)
any directions issued by a compliance officer under section 104.
Compare: 1956 No 65 ss 69G, 69ZI, 69ZJ
Section 33(2)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 33(4): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 33(5)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 33(5)(c): inserted, on 31 August 2023, by section 239 of the Water Services Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 52).
34 Unplanned supply of drinking water
(1)
This section applies if drinking water is supplied on an unplanned basis.
(2)
In this Act, unplanned, in relation to the supply of drinking water, means the temporary supply of drinking water from an unregistered drinking water supply to any place where—
(a)
the usual drinking water supply to that place has failed or is unsafe to drink; and
(b)
the persons at that place cannot reasonably access a sufficient quantity of drinking water from a registered drinking water supply.
(3)
A person who supplies drinking water on an unplanned basis must—
(a)
comply with sections 21 and 22, as far as is reasonably practicable; and
(b)
notify the Water Services Authority immediately of the temporary drinking water supply arrangement and comply with any directions issued by a compliance officer under section 104.
(4)
If a person supplies drinking water from an unregistered drinking water supply on an unplanned basis for more than 60 days in any 12-month period, they must register the supply and comply with legislative requirements (except if a state of emergency declaration or transition period under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 is in effect).
Section 34(3)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 34(3)(b): amended, on 31 August 2023, by section 240 of the Water Services Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 52).
Subpart 3—Requirements relating to notifications and record keeping
35 Duty to notify Water Services Authority of notifiable risk or hazard
(1)
The Water Services Authority may, by notice, declare risks or hazards that relate to or affect the supply of drinking water to be notifiable risks or hazards.
(1A)
A notice under subsection (1) may relate to—
(a)
all drinking water supplies or drinking water suppliers; or
(b)
a class of drinking water supplies or drinking water suppliers.
(2)
A drinking water supplier must, immediately after becoming aware that a notifiable risk or hazard exists,—
(a)
take immediate action to ensure that public health is protected; and
(b)
notify the Water Services Authority of the notifiable risk or hazard in an approved form; and
(c)
investigate the source or the cause of the notifiable risk or hazard; and
(d)
take action to prevent, reduce, or eliminate the risk or hazard; and
(e)
take all practicable steps, to the satisfaction of the Water Services Authority, to advise affected consumers and drinking water suppliers about the notifiable risk or hazard; and
(f)
identify and implement measures required to ensure that the notifiable risk or hazard does not reoccur.
(3)
The Water Services Authority must, on receiving notification under subsection (2)(b), notify the relevant medical officer of health that a notifiable risk or hazard exists.
(4)
A declaration made under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • publish it in the Gazette | ||||
| • publish it on an Internet site maintained by, or on behalf of, the Water Services Authority | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 35 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 35(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 35(1A): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 131 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 35(2)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 35(2)(e): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 35(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
35A Notice to warn users of domestic self-supply or shared domestic supply about contamination
(1)
This section applies if a medical officer of health or the Water Services Authority believes that a source of water for domestic self-supply or for shared domestic supply is contaminated in a way that affects, or is likely to affect, that domestic self-supply or shared domestic supply.
(2)
The medical officer of health or the Water Services Authority may issue a notice to any local authority, water organisation, or subsidiary of a water organisation that is responsible for the area to which water is supplied from that source.
(3)
A local authority, water organisation, or subsidiary of a water organisation that receives a notice under subsection (2) must—
(a)
ensure that an assessment is made as to whether any domestic self-supply or shared domestic supply is abstracting or otherwise receiving unsafe water from the source specified in the notice; and
(b)
if that assessment so requires, take all practicable steps—
(i)
to warn users of that supply—
(A)
that drinking water must not be used for domestic use and food preparation; or
(B)
that drinking water may only be used for domestic use and food preparation if certain steps are first taken (for example, boiling the water); and
(ii)
to exercise any other power or take any action to remedy the situation.
Section 35A: replaced, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 35A heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 132(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 35A(1): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 132(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 35A(2): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 132(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 35A(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 132(4)(a) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 35A(3)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 132(4)(b) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
36 Notification duties of drinking water supplier
Notification regarding cessation or reduction of supply
(1)
A drinking water supplier must notify the Water Services Authority, and every territorial authority whose district contains consumers or drinking water suppliers supplied by the supplier, of the supplier’s intention or proposal—
(a)
to cease to be the owner of a registered drinking water supply, including the details of the intended new owner if ownership of the supply is to be transferred; or
(b)
to cease supply of drinking water to consumers or drinking water suppliers; or
(c)
to limit connections to the supply; or
(d)
to reduce or limit the volume of drinking water supplied to consumers or drinking water suppliers.
(2)
Subsection (1)(b) and (d) does not apply to a restriction or an interruption of supply of drinking water to which section 25(4), (5), or (7) applies.
Notification regarding operation of other suppliers
(3)
A drinking water supplier must notify the Water Services Authority of—
(a)
instances known to the supplier of persons being supplied drinking water from an unregistered drinking water supply; and
(b)
material instances known to the supplier of the failure of another drinking water supplier to supply drinking water in accordance with the requirements of the drinking water safety plan, the drinking water standards, any enforceable undertaking entered into with the chief executive, or the requirements of any compliance order or other direction issued by the Water Services Authority or a compliance officer; and
(c)
any material concern they have regarding the ability of the operator of a drinking water supply to maintain authorisation in accordance with sections 68 and 71.
(4)
A notification must be made in an approved form, and if made—
(a)
under subsection (1), must be made at least 30 days before the event is intended or proposed to occur; and
(b)
under subsection (3), must be made as soon as practicable in the circumstances.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZH
Section 36(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 36(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 36(3)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
37 Drinking water suppliers to keep records
(1)
A drinking water supplier must keep and maintain records of—
(a)
the supplier’s drinking water supply, its operation, and its compliance with legislative requirements; and
(b)
the results of any monitoring to ensure that drinking water is safe and complies with legislative requirements; and
(c)
the supplier’s actions in response to any direction, enforceable undertaking, or compliance order issued or accepted under this Act; and
(d)
any other matter specified in compliance rules.
(2)
The Water Services Authority may require, on request, records under subsection (1) to be made available to the Water Services Authority—
(a)
as soon as is reasonably practicable; or
(b)
at particular times (for example, according to a schedule); or
(c)
continuously.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZD
Section 37(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 4—Consumer complaints
Subpart 4 heading: amended, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
38 Requirement for supplier to provide information to consumers and have complaints process
(1)
A drinking water supplier must, in accordance with regulations that apply to the supplier,—
(a)
provide any prescribed information to consumers; and
(b)
establish, maintain, and administer a consumer complaints process; and
(c)
report annually to the Water Services Authority on its consumer complaints process.
(2)
A drinking water supplier must ensure that complaints are dealt with—
(a)
in accordance with its consumer complaints process; and
(b)
in an efficient and effective manner.
Section 38 heading: amended, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 38(1)(b): inserted, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 38(1)(c): inserted, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 38(1)(c): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 38(2): inserted, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
39 Review by Taumata Arowai
[Repealed]Section 39: repealed, on 27 August 2025, by section 133 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
40 Water Services Authority to monitor compliance with complaints process
The Water Services Authority must—
(a)
monitor compliance with any regulations made under section 200; and
(b)
have regard to the scale, complexity, and risk profile of a drinking water supplier when performing the functions in this subpart.
Section 40: inserted, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 40 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 40: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 40(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 134 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
39 Review by Taumata Arowai
[Repealed]Section 39: repealed, on 31 August 2023, by section 166 of the Water Services Economic Efficiency and Consumer Protection Act 2023 (2023 No 54).
40 Taumata Arowai to monitor compliance with complaints process
[Repealed]Section 40: repealed, on 31 August 2023, by section 166 of the Water Services Economic Efficiency and Consumer Protection Act 2023 (2023 No 54).
Subpart 5—Source water
41 Purpose of subpart
The purpose of this subpart is to provide a framework to ensure that, together with measures set out in the Resource Management Act 1991, regulations made under that Act, and the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management,—
(a)
the risks and hazards to source water are identified, assessed, managed, and monitored by drinking water suppliers and local authorities; and
(b)
information on source water, and measures to manage risks and hazards to source water, are published on a regular basis by regional councils.
Section 41: amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
42 Application
Sections 43 and 44 do not apply to a drinking water supplier whose drinking water supply arrangement does not have a source.
Examples
Sections 43 and 44 do not apply to a water carrier that fills tankers from another drinking water supplier’s reticulated supply.
Sections 43 and 44 do not apply to a drinking water supplier that is supplied by another drinking water supplier’s reticulated supply.
43 Source water risk management plans
(1)
A drinking water supplier must prepare and implement a source water risk management plan based on the scale, complexity, and risk of the drinking water supply.
(2)
A source water risk management plan must—
(a)
identify any hazards that relate to the source water, including emerging or potential hazards; and
(b)
assess any risks that are associated with those hazards; and
(c)
identify how those risks will be managed, controlled, monitored, or eliminated as part of a drinking water safety plan; and
(d)
have regard to any values identified by local authorities under the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management that relate to a freshwater body that the supplier uses as a source of a drinking water supply.
(3)
A source water risk management plan is part of the supplier’s drinking water safety plan and, unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Act to a drinking water safety plan must be read as including a reference to a source water risk management plan.
(4)
Local authorities must contribute to the development and implementation of source water risk management plans prepared by drinking water suppliers, including by—
(a)
providing information to suppliers in accordance with compliance rules, including information about—
(i)
land-use activities, potential sources of contamination, and other water users that could directly or indirectly affect the quality or quantity of the source of a drinking water supply; and
(ii)
water quality monitoring of the source of a drinking water supply conducted by a regional council; and
(iii)
any known risks or hazards that could affect the source of a drinking water supply; and
(b)
undertaking any actions to address risks or hazards to the source of a drinking water supply that local authorities have agreed to undertake on behalf of a drinking water supplier, as specified in a schedule attached to a source water risk management plan or otherwise agreed in writing.
Section 43(2)(d): amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
43A Source water risk management plans: additional provisions for water service providers
(1)
The source water risk management plan of a drinking water supplier that is also a water service provider must, in addition to complying with section 43, include a description of land—
(a)
that surrounds a source of a drinking water supply; or
(b)
that is—
(i)
a groundwater catchment from which drinking water is sourced; and
(ii)
land that the water service provider owns, has long-term control over, or has agreed with the land owner will be included in the plan.
(2)
The source water risk management plan of a drinking water supplier that is also a water service provider may, for the purpose of managing risks to drinking water from a source described in subsection (1), include—
(a)
if the water service provider is a territorial authority, a proposal that the territorial authority make a water services bylaw; or
(b)
if the water service provider is a water organisation, a recommendation that the relevant territorial authority in relation to the land make a water services bylaw.
(3)
A proposal or recommendation made under subsection (2) may be for a water services bylaw that restricts, imposes requirements on, or prohibits 1 or more of the following in the land described under subsection (1):
(a)
access to the controlled drinking water catchment area:
(b)
activities that may be undertaken in the controlled drinking water catchment area:
(c)
the use or contamination of water in the controlled drinking water catchment area.
Section 43A: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 135 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
44 Suppliers to monitor source water quality
(1)
A drinking water supplier must monitor the quality of the supplier’s source water at the abstraction point in accordance with a programme set out in the supplier’s drinking water safety plan.
(2)
Compliance rules may specify the monitoring requirements for source water that are proportionate to the scale and complexity of each drinking water supply and any known risks or hazards to the source of a drinking water supply.
(3)
A drinking water supplier must report the results of the supplier’s source water quality monitoring to the Water Services Authority, and the Water Services Authority must provide regional councils with monitoring results annually.
Section 44(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
45 Information sharing with local authorities
Information sharing between Water Services Authority and local authorities
(1)
The Water Services Authority must provide local authorities with information on the location of drinking water abstraction points provided by drinking water suppliers.
(2)
Local authorities must inform the Water Services Authority of any inaccuracies they consider exist in the information on the location of drinking water abstraction points.
Information sharing between suppliers and local authorities
(3)
A drinking water supplier must inform the appropriate local authorities, as soon as practicable, of any known risks or hazards to a source of a drinking water supply or related infrastructure that could affect the provision of safe drinking water, including the risks or hazards identified in source water risk management plans.
(4)
Local authorities must inform drinking water suppliers, as soon as practicable, of any known risks or hazards that could affect a source of a drinking water supply or related infrastructure.
Section 45(1) heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 45(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 45(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
46 Regional councils to publish information about source water
(1)
Regional councils must publish and provide the Water Services Authority with information on source water quality and quantity in their region annually, including any changes to source water quality and quantity.
(2)
Regional councils must assess the effectiveness of regulatory and non-regulatory interventions to manage risks or hazards to source water in their region at least once every 3 years and make this information available to the public on Internet sites maintained by or on behalf of the councils.
(3)
The Water Services Authority may make compliance rules for regional councils on the format and content of the information they are required to publish under this section.
Section 46(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 46(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 6—Standards, rules, directions, and other instruments
47 Power to make drinking water standards
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, and following consultation undertaken in accordance with section 53, make regulations to set standards (drinking water standards) that relate to either or both of the following:
(a)
drinking water composition:
(b)
outcomes of the treatment of drinking water.
(2)
Drinking water standards may, without limitation, specify or provide for—
(a)
minimum or maximum amounts of substances that may be present in drinking water; and
(b)
minimum or maximum acceptable values for chemical, radiological, microbiological, and other characteristics of drinking water.
(3)
Drinking water standards must not include any requirement that fluoride be added to drinking water.
(4)
Regulations made under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69O
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
48 Aesthetic values for drinking water
(1)
The Water Services Authority must, by notice, issue aesthetic values that relate to drinking water.
(2)
Aesthetic values may, without limitation, specify or provide for minimum or maximum values for substances and other characteristics that relate to the acceptability of drinking water to consumers (such as appearance, taste, or odour).
(3)
A notice made under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • notify it in the Gazette | ||||
| • publish it on an Internet site maintained by, or on behalf of, the Water Services Authority | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 48(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
49 Compliance rules
(1)
The Water Services Authority may make compliance rules setting out requirements relating to the performance of functions or duties under this Part by—
(a)
drinking water suppliers; and
(b)
other persons who have functions or duties under this Part (for example, local authorities).
(2)
To avoid doubt,—
(a)
the power in subsection (1) is not limited by any other provision in this Part; and
(b)
a compliance rule may—
(i)
require the treatment of drinking water in a particular way; or
(ii)
prohibit the treatment of drinking water in a particular way.
(3)
A person with a function or duty under this Part must comply with all applicable compliance rules made under subsection (1).
(4)
Compliance rules—
(a)
may apply in respect of all drinking water supplies or classes of drinking water supply; but
(b)
must not apply in respect of an individual water supply or local authority.
(5)
Compliance rules made under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • notify it in the Gazette | ||||
| • publish it on an Internet site maintained by, or on behalf of, the Water Services Authority | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 49(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
50 Acceptable solutions or verification methods for drinking water
(1)
The Water Services Authority must, by notice, issue a drinking water acceptable solution or verification method for use in establishing compliance with legislative requirements.
(2)
A drinking water acceptable solution or verification method may—
(a)
provide an alternative to the requirements in section 30 for a specified class of drinking water supplier; and
(b)
require the treatment of drinking water by a specified class of drinking water supplier.
(3)
The Water Services Authority must not issue a drinking water acceptable solution or verification method unless satisfied that the solution or method is consistent with the main purpose of this Act (other than the duty to have a drinking water safety plan).
(4)
A drinking water acceptable solution or verification method issued under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Compare: 2004 No 72 s 22
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • notify it in the Gazette | ||||
| • publish it on an Internet site maintained by, or on behalf of, the Water Services Authority | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 50(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 136 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 50(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
51 Compliance with acceptable solution or verification method for drinking water
(1)
A person who complies with an applicable acceptable solution or verification method must, for the purposes of this Act, be treated as having complied with the legislative requirements to which that acceptable solution or verification method relates (other than the duties under sections 21 and 22).
(2)
A person who complies with an applicable acceptable solution or verification method that provides an alternative to the requirements in section 30 must be treated as having complied with those requirements.
(3)
A person may comply with an acceptable solution or verification method in order to comply with the legislative requirements to which that acceptable solution or verification method relates, but doing so is not the only means of complying with those legislative requirements.
Compare: 2004 No 72 s 23
52 Templates and models
(1)
The Water Services Authority may, by notice in the Gazette, issue a template or model for drinking water safety plans or components of plans.
(2)
Templates and models issued under subsection (1) must be published in accordance with section 205.
Section 52(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
53 Water Services Authority consultation requirements
(1)
The Water Services Authority must ensure that public consultation has been carried out before the following instruments are made:
(a)
drinking water standards:
(b)
aesthetic values:
(c)
compliance rules:
(d)
acceptable solutions or verification methods.
(2)
Public consultation must include—
(a)
adequate and appropriate notice of the content of the proposed instrument; and
(b)
a reasonable opportunity for interested persons to make submissions; and
(c)
appropriate consideration of any submissions received.
(3)
Despite subsection (1), the Water Services Authority need not consult the public if the Water Services Authority is satisfied that—
(a)
the instrument needs to be made—
(i)
urgently; or
(ii)
to deal with transitional issues; or
(b)
an amendment to an instrument is minor and will not adversely and substantially affect the interest of any person.
(4)
A failure to comply with this section does not affect the validity of any of the instruments to which it applies.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69P
Section 53 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 53(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 53(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 7—Drinking water supply register
54 Application to register drinking water supply
(1)
An application to register a drinking water supply must be in an approved form.
(2)
The application must include the following information:
(a)
the legal name and contact details of the owner of the drinking water supply, and the owner’s trading name (if applicable):
(b)
the location of the drinking water supply, including, if applicable, the location of each abstraction point for the drinking water supply:
(c)
the area the drinking water supply supplies:
(d)
the estimated number of consumers:
(e)
a description of the drinking water supply:
(f)
the legal name and contact details of the drinking water supply operator (if different from the owner), and the operator’s trading name (if applicable):
(g)
the information that relates to the authorisation of the operator of the drinking water supply (if any):
(h)
any other information prescribed by the Water Services Authority by notice in the Gazette.
(3)
The information required by subsection (2) must be provided in accordance with any requirements specified by the Water Services Authority by notice in the Gazette.
(4)
The application must be accompanied by the fee or levy (if any) prescribed in regulations made under section 200 or 201.
(5)
The Water Services Authority must register the supply within 20 working days after receiving the application unless the Water Services Authority considers that the application is incomplete or requires amendment.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69K(3), (4)
Section 54(2)(h): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 54(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 54(5): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
55 Register of drinking water supplies
(1)
The Water Services Authority must keep and maintain a register of drinking water supplies that contains the information specified in section 54(2).
(2)
The Water Services Authority must also keep and maintain a separate publicly available version of the register that contains only—
(a)
the information specified in section 54(2)(a), (c), (d), (f), and (g); and
(b)
any other information about a registered drinking water supply that the Water Services Authority considers is in the public interest to disclose.
(3)
The Water Services Authority may withhold any information from the publicly available version of the register if it considers it is in the public interest to do so, which may include the protection of—
(a)
the privacy of natural persons; or
(b)
the security of a drinking water supply.
(4)
The Water Services Authority may maintain the register and the publicly available version in any form, including as a single register or in different parts for different classes or categories of owners, operators, or supplies.
(5)
Registration of a drinking water supply is valid for 5 years.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69J
Section 55(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 55(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 55(2)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 55(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 55(4): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 55(5): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 137 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
56 Duty to renew registration and notify changes
(1)
The owner of a registered drinking water supply must, in each 5-year period, during a month allocated for the purpose by the Water Services Authority, apply for a renewal of registration of the owner’s supply.
(2)
At the time of applying to the Water Services Authority for renewal of registration of a drinking water supply, the owner of the drinking water supply must—
(a)
confirm that the information provided under section 54(2) is correct at the time of registration renewal; and
(b)
confirm that the drinking water safety plan is still current and, if not, lodge a new or amended plan.
(3)
The owner of a drinking water supply must immediately notify the Water Services Authority of any change to the information provided under section 54(2).
(4)
An application and a notification under this section must be in an approved form.
(5)
An application under this section must be accompanied by the prescribed fee or levy (if any).
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69M
Section 56 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 138(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 56(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 56(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 138(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 56(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 56(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 8—Exemptions to requirements on drinking water suppliers
57 General exemptions
(1)
The chief executive may exempt a drinking water supplier or class of drinking water supplier from compliance with the following requirements in this Act:
(a)
to supply safe drinking water (see section 21):
(b)
to comply with drinking water standards (see section 22):
(c)
to take reasonable steps to provide aesthetically acceptable drinking water (see section 24):
(d)
to provide a sufficient quantity of drinking water to consumers at each point of supply (see section 25):
(e)
to protect against the risk of backflow (see section 27):
(f)
requirements relating to end-point treatment (see section 28):
(g)
to have a drinking water safety plan (see section 30):
(h)
to keep records (see section 37):
(i)
to provide information to consumers and have a consumer complaints process (see section 38).
Example
A person who supplies drinking water at backcountry huts or isolated campsites in a district, where it is impractical to provide safe drinking water and water may have to be boiled, could be exempted from requirements under a class exemption.
(2)
An exemption must exempt a drinking water supplier, or class of supplier, from 1 or more of the requirements described in subsection (1).
(3)
The chief executive may grant an exemption under this section—
(a)
on the chief executive’s own volition; or
(b)
after receiving an application for the exemption (which application must be accompanied by the prescribed fee, if any).
(3A)
However,—
(a)
the scope of the exemption must be no broader than is reasonably necessary in the circumstances; and
(b)
the chief executive must not grant an exemption on their own volition unless satisfied that the exemption is consistent with the purpose of exemptions (see section 58A).
(4)
The chief executive must not grant an exemption unless—
(a)
satisfied that the exemption is consistent with the main purpose of this Act (other than the duty to have a drinking water safety plan); and
(b)
for an exemption in respect of a class of drinking water supplier, the chief executive has consulted the public in accordance with section 53(2) and (3).
(5)
The chief executive may grant the exemption on any conditions that the chief executive thinks fit.
(6)
Without limiting the power in subsection (5), the conditions may include a requirement—
(a)
that the drinking water supplier take appropriate measures to minimise the risk to public health; and
(b)
that the drinking water supplier take appropriate measures to warn consumers of the need to boil any drinking water from the water supply before it is consumed, including requirements about appropriate signs at taps; and
(c)
relating to the composition of the drinking water; and
(d)
to monitor the quality of the drinking water; and
(e)
that, where land is supplied with drinking water, the exemption and any conditions will be notified by the Water Services Authority to the relevant territorial authority for inclusion on the land information memorandum.
(7)
An exemption may continue in force for not more than 15 years (and at the close of the date that is 15 years after the exemption first comes into force, the exemption must be treated as having been revoked unless it is sooner revoked or expires).
(8)
An exemption granted under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
(9)
The chief executive’s reasons for granting the exemption must be published with the exemption.
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • publish it in the Gazette | ||||
| • publish it on an Internet site maintained by, or on behalf of, the Water Services Authority | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 57(1)(i): amended, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 57(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 139(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 57(3): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 139(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 57(3A): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 139(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 57(6)(e): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 57(7): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 139(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
58 Exemption: residual disinfection
(1)
The chief executive may exempt a drinking water supplier or class of drinking water supplier from the requirement to use residual disinfection in—
(a)
a supply that includes reticulation; or
(b)
any part of a supply that includes reticulation.
(2)
The chief executive may grant the exemption on any conditions that the chief executive thinks fit.
(3)
The chief executive must not grant the exemption unless—
(a)
satisfied that the exemption is consistent with the main purpose of this Act; and
(aa)
satisfied that the exemption is consistent with the purpose of exemptions (see section 58A); and
(b)
for an exemption in respect of an individual drinking water supplier, the supplier satisfies the chief executive that drinking water supplied by the supplier will comply with all other legislative requirements and the drinking water safety plan on an ongoing basis; and
(c)
for an exemption in respect of a class of drinking water supplier, the chief executive has consulted the public in accordance with section 53(2) and (3).
(4)
The chief executive may grant an exemption under this section—
(a)
on the chief executive’s own volition; or
(b)
after receiving an application for the exemption (which must be accompanied by the prescribed fee, if any).
(4A)
However, the scope of the exemption must be no broader than is reasonably necessary in the circumstances.
(5)
An exemption may continue in force for not more than 15 years (and at the close of the date that is 15 years after the exemption first comes into force, the exemption must be treated as having been revoked unless it is sooner revoked or expires).
(6)
The chief executive must publish an exemption granted in respect of an individual drinking water supplier on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Water Services Authority.
(7)
An exemption granted in respect of a class of drinking water supplier under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
(8)
The chief executive’s reasons for granting an exemption must be published with the exemption.
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • publish it in the Gazette | ||||
| • publish it on an Internet site maintained by, or on behalf of, the Water Services Authority | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 58(3)(aa): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 140(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 58(4): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 140(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 58(4A): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 140(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 58(5): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 140(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 58(6): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
58A Purpose of exemptions
The purpose of exemptions under sections 57 and 58 is to—
(a)
provide flexibility where compliance with the relevant requirement is impracticable, inefficient, unduly costly, or unduly burdensome, taking into account—
(i)
the nature of the drinking water supply; or
(ii)
the characteristics of the drinking water supplier or the class of drinking water suppliers; or
(b)
allow for exemptions that are minor or technical.
Section 58A: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 141 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 9—Emergency powers
59 Water Services Authority may declare drinking water emergency
(1)
The Water Services Authority may declare a drinking water emergency if it believes, on reasonable grounds, that there is a serious risk to public health.
(2)
In this subpart, serious risk to public health means a serious risk to public health relating to—
(a)
the drinking water supplied to consumers; or
(b)
the ongoing supply (including domestic self-supplies and shared domestic supplies) of a sufficient quantity of drinking water in a geographical area.
(3)
Before declaring a drinking water emergency or amending a drinking water emergency declaration, the Water Services Authority must—
(a)
consult the Minister; and
(b)
to the extent practicable, consider the impact of the declaration or amendment on the operation of lifeline utilities.
(4)
A drinking water emergency declaration must specify—
(a)
the nature of the emergency; and
(b)
the purpose of the declaration; and
(c)
the geographical area or specific drinking water supply to which the declaration relates; and
(d)
the period of time during which the declaration remains in force.
(5)
The Water Services Authority may amend a drinking water emergency declaration.
(6)
As soon as practicable after making or amending a drinking water emergency declaration, the Water Services Authority must—
(a)
give a copy of the declaration or amended declaration to every affected drinking water supplier and territorial authority and the relevant medical officer of health; and
(b)
publish a copy of the declaration or amended declaration in the Gazette; and
(c)
take all practicable steps, working with affected drinking water supplies and territorial authorities, to ensure that consumers are informed about the drinking water emergency.
(7)
After receiving a drinking water emergency declaration, a drinking water supplier and a territorial authority must advise, to the satisfaction of the Water Services Authority, affected consumers about the drinking water emergency.
(8)
In this section, lifeline utility has the meaning set out in section 4 of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZZA
Section 59 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 59(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 59(2)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 142(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 59(3): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 142(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 59(5): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 59(6): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 59(7): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 59(8): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 142(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
60 Maximum duration of drinking water emergency declaration
No drinking water emergency declaration may remain in force for longer than 28 days unless regulations are made under section 66 extending the period of the drinking water emergency declaration.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZZB
61 Drinking water emergency may be declared or continued even if other emergency declared
(1)
A drinking water emergency—
(a)
may be declared even if an emergency has been declared under another enactment:
(b)
remains in force in accordance with section 60, even if an emergency has been declared under another enactment.
(2)
Despite subsection (1), if an emergency is declared under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 or the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, or a biosecurity emergency is declared under the Biosecurity Act 1993, any compliance officer or employee of the Water Services Authority is, when exercising any powers conferred by section 62, subject to the direction of,—
(a)
in the case of an emergency declared under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002, the Controller (within the meaning of section 4 of that Act); or
(b)
in the case of an emergency declared under section 136 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, the relevant office holder who appointed the enforcement officer who declared the emergency under that Act, unless the Water Services Authority directs otherwise; or
(c)
in the case of a biosecurity emergency declared under section 144 of the Biosecurity Act 1993, the Minister (within the meaning of section 145 of that Act), unless the Water Services Authority directs otherwise.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZZC
Section 61(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 61(2)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 61(2)(c): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
62 Special powers of Water Services Authority during drinking water emergency
(1)
If a drinking water emergency declaration is in force, the Water Services Authority may exercise all or any of the powers in subsection (2) for the purpose of preventing, reducing, or eliminating the serious risk to public health.
(2)
The powers are to—
(a)
take immediate action, or direct any person to take immediate action, that the Water Services Authority believes, on reasonable grounds, will prevent, reduce, or eliminate the serious risk to public health:
(b)
direct any person to stop, or prohibit any person from starting, anything that the Water Services Authority believes, on reasonable grounds, is a cause of, or contributes to, the serious risk to public health:
(c)
requisition any property in order to prevent, reduce, or eliminate the serious risk to public health:
(d)
destroy any property or any other thing in order to prevent, reduce, or eliminate the serious risk to public health:
(e)
require all persons within a specified area to use an alternative drinking water supply:
(f)
do emergency work, or direct a territorial authority to do emergency work, to ensure that an alternative supply of drinking water is available to affected persons:
(g)
direct a territorial authority to supply drinking water to affected persons (whether in the district of that territorial authority or in the district of another territorial authority):
(h)
direct a drinking water supplier to make arrangements to ensure that an alternative drinking water supply is available to affected consumers (for example, by water carrier):
(i)
direct the closure of any public place, or any part of a public place:
(j)
direct the cancellation of any public event, function, or gathering at any place:
(k)
take any other action that the Water Services Authority believes is reasonably necessary to prevent, reduce, or eliminate the serious risk to public health.
(3)
The Water Services Authority must consult the Minister before exercising a power under subsection (2)(f) or (g) in relation to a territorial authority.
(4)
Every person who receives a direction, prohibition, or requirement from the Water Services Authority under subsection (2) must comply with that direction, prohibition, or requirement.
(5)
The Water Services Authority must issue a direction, prohibition, or requirement under subsection (2)(a) to (h), or (k), in accordance with the requirements in section 125.
(6)
A direction given under subsection (2)(i) or (j) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZZD
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • publish it in the Gazette | ||||
| • publish it on an Internet site maintained by, or on behalf of, the Water Services Authority | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 62 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 62(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 62(2)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 62(2)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 62(2)(k): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 62(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 62(4): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 62(5): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
63 Exemption during drinking water emergency
(1)
(2)
The Water Services Authority may grant an exemption from the requirements on any conditions that the Water Services Authority thinks fit.
(3)
Without limiting the power in subsection (2), the conditions may include a requirement—
(a)
that the drinking water supplier take appropriate measures to minimise the serious risk to public health; and
(b)
that the drinking water supplier advise affected consumers and drinking water suppliers of measures that they should take to protect public health; and
(c)
relating to the composition of the drinking water; and
(d)
to monitor the quality of the drinking water.
(4)
The exempt drinking water supplier and the territorial authority that is responsible for the geographical area to which the exemption relates must take all practicable steps to inform affected consumers of the exemption for the period during which it remains in force.
(5)
An exemption expires when the drinking water emergency to which it relates is no longer in force, unless earlier revoked.
(6)
An exemption granted under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • publish it in the Gazette | ||||
| • publish it on an Internet site maintained by, or on behalf of, the Water Services Authority | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 63(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 63(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
64 Compensation for property requisitioned or destroyed
(1)
Reasonable compensation is payable for any loss or destruction of property if the Water Services Authority, or any person acting at the Water Services Authority’s direction under section 62,—
(a)
requisitions any property from any person for use in a drinking water emergency; or
(b)
destroys any property in order to prevent, reduce, or eliminate the serious risk to public health.
(2)
Reasonable compensation under subsection (1) is payable, on written application by any person having an interest in the property, by the Water Services Authority out of money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose.
(3)
Compensation is not payable under this section to any person who caused or contributed substantially to the duty that brought about the requisition or destruction.
(4)
The Water Services Authority may require a drinking water supplier who has caused or contributed substantially to an emergency to reimburse the Water Services Authority for all or part of any compensation paid by the Water Services Authority under this section in relation to that emergency.
(5)
A person may appeal to the District Court in accordance with section 93(2) and (3) against—
(a)
the Water Services Authority’s decision to pay or refuse to pay compensation under this section; or
(b)
the amount of compensation determined to be payable under this section; or
(c)
the determination of liability of any person to reimburse the Water Services Authorityi under subsection (4).
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZZE
Section 64(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 64(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 64(4): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 64(5)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 64(5)(c): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
65 Actions taken under emergency powers may be exempted from requirements of Part 3 of Resource Management Act 1991
(1)
If any action under section 62 is an activity that breaches the provisions of Part 3 of the Resource Management Act 1991, the Water Services Authority may exempt the action taken from those provisions during the period specified under section 59(4)(d).
(2)
Before granting an exemption, the Water Services Authority—
(a)
must consult the relevant consent authority (to the extent that is practicable in the circumstances); and
(b)
may consult any other persons that the Water Services Authority considers appropriate.
(3)
A failure to comply with subsection (2) does not affect the validity of any exemption given under this section.
(4)
Despite subsection (1), if, during any period in which an exemption by the Water Services Authority is in force, a consent authority refuses to issue a resource consent in respect of the action which is the subject of the exemption, the exemption, if not expiring earlier, expires at the close of 5 working days after the date of the decision of the consent authority unless—
(a)
regulations extending the exemption are made under section 66; or
(b)
any appeal is lodged against the decision of the consent authority, in which case the exemption expires on the determination of the appeal or at the time specified by the court that determines the appeal.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZZF(1)–(3)
Section 65 heading: amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Section 65(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 65(1): amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Section 65(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 65(2)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 65(4): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
66 Regulations relating to emergency situations
(1)
If any action has been exempted from Part 3 of the Resource Management Act 1991 under section 65 and the Water Services Authority considers that it is necessary, on the grounds prescribed in section 59(1), to continue the action beyond the period specified under section 59(4)(d),—
(a)
the Water Services Authority may request the Minister to recommend the making of regulations that extend the exemption; and
(b)
the Minister may recommend that the regulations be made; and
(c)
the Governor-General may, by Order in Council, make regulations for that purpose.
(2)
If the Water Services Authority considers that it is necessary, on the grounds prescribed in section 59(1), to extend a drinking water emergency declaration beyond the period specified under section 59(4)(d),—
(a)
the Water Services Authority may request the Minister to recommend the making of regulations that extend the period, up to a maximum of 2 years, during which a drinking water emergency declaration under section 59 remains in force; and
(b)
the Minister may recommend that the regulations be made; and
(c)
the Governor-General may, by Order in Council, make regulations for that purpose.
(3)
The regulations are revoked at the close of the day that is 2 years after the date on which they first come into force, unless they are earlier revoked.
(4)
Regulations made under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZZF(5), (6)
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 66(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 66(1): amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Section 66(1)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 66(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 66(2)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
67 Effect of exemption
If an exemption is granted under section 65 or extended under section 66(1), the provisions of Part 3 of the Resource Management Act 1991 do not apply to the actions taken under section 62 to which the exemption relates while the exemption remains in force.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZZG
Section 67: amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Subpart 10—Authorisations
68 Requirement for operators to be authorised
A person must not operate a drinking water supply, a wastewater network, or a class of drinking water supply or wastewater network if—
(a)
regulations require the operator to be authorised; and
(b)
the person is not authorised in accordance with the regulations.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 206(1)
69 Requirement for prescribed skills, qualifications, or experience in respect of drinking water supply or wastewater network
A person must not certify, assess, test, design, operate, or carry out an activity relating to maintaining, repairing, upgrading, or renewing a drinking water supply, a wastewater network, or a class of drinking water supply or wastewater network if regulations require that, in order to do so, the person must—
(a)
have prescribed skills, qualifications, or experience and the person does not have the prescribed skills, qualifications, or experience; or
(b)
be supervised by a person with prescribed skills, qualifications, or experience, and the person is not supervised by a person with the prescribed skills, qualifications, or experience.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 207
Section 69: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 143 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
70 Requirement for prescribed skills, qualifications, or experience for water sampling
A person must not sample source water, raw water, or drinking water if regulations require that, in order to do so, the person must—
(a)
have prescribed skills, qualifications, or experience and the person does not have the prescribed skills, qualifications, or experience; or
(b)
be supervised by a person with the prescribed skills, qualifications, or experience, and the person is not supervised by a person with the prescribed skills, qualifications, or experience.
71 Requirement to comply with conditions of authorisation
A person must comply with the conditions of any authorisation given to that person that are prescribed in or under regulations.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 208
72 Regulations relating to authorisations
Regulations made under section 200 may prescribe matters relating to authorisations (including licences, certifications, registrations, and permits), qualifications, skills, and experience for the purposes of this subpart, including providing for—
(a)
requirements to be authorised:
(b)
the grant, issue, renewal, variation, suspension, cancellation, expiry, and replacement of authorisations:
(c)
the evidence and information to be provided in relation to applications (for example, statutory declarations, qualifications, or compliance certificates):
(d)
exemptions from a requirement to be authorised:
(e)
variations of authorisations by the Water Services Authority, whether on application or otherwise:
(f)
the authorisation of persons who are to be involved in the authorisation of other persons (for example, as trainers, assessors, auditors, reviewers, or compliance certifiers):
(g)
the authorisation of persons to authorise other persons (for example, through accreditation, certification, or verification):
(h)
the grant, issue, renewal, suspension, or cancellation of authorisations granted by persons referred to in paragraph (f):
(i)
processes for the review of or appeal against decisions in respect of authorisations, including ensuring that the person concerned is given a reasonable opportunity to be heard:
(j)
the eligibility requirements for applicants for authorisations:
(k)
the grounds and processes for regular monitoring, auditing, or review of authorisations, including powers to request or require information from authorised persons:
(l)
the grounds and processes for training or supervision in relation to authorisations:
(m)
conditions of authorisations:
(n)
fees for the applications for the grant, issue, renewal, variation, audit, or review of authorisations, or the basis on which the amount of fee is to be calculated or ascertained:
(o)
the keeping of 1 or more registers of authorisations, and for access to those registers:
(p)
the recognition of authorisations granted under other enactments or by other jurisdictions, and any exceptions to such recognition:
(q)
time frames within which persons must obtain authorisations.
Section 72(e): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 11—Laboratory accreditation and testing
73 Duty to use accredited laboratory to analyse water
(1)
A drinking water supplier must use an accredited laboratory to analyse source water, raw water, and drinking water as part of any monitoring requirements in compliance rules or a drinking water safety plan.
(2)
If the results of an accredited laboratory’s analysis (whether or not the analysis has been requested to comply with subsection (1)) indicate that drinking water does not comply with the drinking water standards or compliance rules, the laboratory must notify the Water Services Authority and the drinking water supplier as soon as practicable after the results are known.
(3)
In this subpart, accredited laboratory means a person accredited under section 77 to perform the functions of a laboratory that analyses source water, raw water, and drinking water.
Section 73(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
74 Water Services Authority may appoint accreditation body
(1)
The Water Services Authority may, by notice in the Gazette,—
(a)
appoint a person as a laboratory accreditation body; and
(b)
revoke the appointment at any time.
(2)
A reference in this subpart to a laboratory accreditation body is a reference to—
(a)
the person appointed under subsection (1)(a); or
(b)
if no person is appointed, the Water Services Authority.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZY; 2004 No 72 s 248
Section 74 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 74(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 74(2)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
75 Requirements relating to laboratories
(1)
The Water Services Authority must, by notice, prescribe—
(a)
the criteria and standards for accreditation of a laboratory; and
(b)
different classes of accreditation, if the Water Services Authority thinks it appropriate; and
(c)
the time frame for validity and required renewal of accreditation; and
(d)
the minimum frequency of assessments that the laboratory accreditation body must conduct of laboratories that analyse source water, raw water, and drinking water (which must be at least once every 3 years); and
(e)
forms and procedures that relate to accreditation; and
(f)
procedures for the investigation by a laboratory accreditation body of complaints relating to laboratories; and
(g)
notification requirements for laboratories relating to analysis of source water, raw water, or drinking water; and
(h)
any other matters the Water Services Authority considers necessary or appropriate.
(2)
A notice made under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Compare: 2004 No 72 s 249
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • publish it in the Gazette | ||||
| • publish it on an Internet site maintained by, or on behalf of, the Water Services Authority | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 75(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 75(1)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 75(1)(h): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
76 Charges
(1)
A laboratory accreditation body may charge an accredited laboratory the following fees prescribed by the laboratory accreditation body by notice:
(a)
a fee for—
(i)
an application for, or a renewal of, accreditation:
(ii)
an assessment conducted under section 75(1)(d):
(iii)
an investigation conducted under section 75(1)(f):
(b)
an annual fee for each full or partial year of accreditation:
(c)
any other fee that is necessary to recover the costs associated with providing accreditation services.
(2)
A notice made under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • publish it in the Gazette | ||||
| • publish it on an Internet site maintained by, or on behalf of, the Water Services Authority | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
77 Accreditation
The laboratory accreditation body may, on the application of a person made in accordance with section 79, accredit that person to perform the functions of a laboratory that analyses source water, raw water, and drinking water.
Compare: 2004 No 72 s 250
78 Criteria for accreditation
Before granting accreditation, the laboratory accreditation body must be satisfied that the applicant meets the criteria and standards for accreditation prescribed by the Water Services Authority under section 75.
Compare: 2004 No 72 s 251
Section 78: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
79 Application for accreditation
An application for accreditation under section 77 must—
(a)
be made in writing; and
(b)
be given in the manner (if any) prescribed by the laboratory accreditation body; and
(c)
contain the information (if any) prescribed by the laboratory accreditation body.
Compare: 2004 No 72 s 253
80 Suspension or revocation of accreditation
(1)
The laboratory accreditation body may suspend or revoke, or amend the scope of, an accreditation under section 77 in accordance with this section.
(2)
The laboratory accreditation body may suspend or revoke an accreditation only if it—
(a)
is satisfied that the laboratory no longer meets the prescribed criteria and standards for accreditation; and
(b)
has first given the laboratory concerned a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
(3)
The laboratory accreditation body must notify the Water Services Authority if it has concerns that it believes could lead to the suspension or revocation of the accreditation of a laboratory.
(4)
Despite subsection (2)(a), the laboratory accreditation body must not revoke the accreditation of a laboratory if—
(a)
the prescribed criteria and standards for accreditation are amended; and
(b)
the laboratory no longer meets those criteria and standards solely as a result of the amendments.
(5)
The limit in subsection (4) applies only during the period of 3 months after the date on which the amendments come into force.
Compare: 2004 No 72 s 254
Section 80(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
81 Laboratory accreditation body must notify Water Services Authority of grant of, or change to, accreditation
(1)
The laboratory accreditation body must notify the Water Services Authority when it grants, amends the scope of, renews, suspends, or revokes the accreditation of a laboratory.
(2)
The notification must be given—
(a)
in the manner notified by the Water Services Authority to the laboratory accreditation body from time to time; and
(b)
within 7 working days after the action to which it relates.
(3)
The Water Services Authority must make the appropriate changes to the relevant entries in the register of accredited laboratories.
Compare: 2004 No 72 s 255
Section 81 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 81(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 81(2)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 81(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
82 Register of accredited laboratories
The Water Services Authority must keep and maintain a register of accredited laboratories.
Section 82: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 12—Statutory management and transfer of operations
83 Non-performance by drinking water supplier
(1)
This section applies if the chief executive considers, in accordance with section 84, that—
(a)
a drinking water supplier has persistently failed to comply with 1 or more legislative requirements; or
(b)
there is a serious risk to public health relating to a drinking water supply.
(2)
The chief executive may—
(a)
appoint 1 or more operators to act in place of the supplier to perform all or any of the supplier’s functions or duties as an operator under this Act; or
(b)
require the drinking water supplier to appoint 1 or more operators to act in place of the supplier to perform all or any of the supplier’s functions or duties as an operator under this Act.
Compare: 2004 No 72 s 277
84 Criteria for appointment or renewal of appointment
(1)
In determining whether an appointment under section 83 should be made, the chief executive must consider—
(a)
the previous compliance record of the drinking water supplier, including any compliance action or prosecution initiated by the chief executive and the outcome; and
(b)
the likelihood that the drinking water supplier will be able to comply with the supplier’s functions or duties as an operator under this Act; and
(c)
the risk to public health posed by the drinking water supplier’s previous compliance record and likely compliance in the future; and
(d)
the extent to which the requirements in sections 68, 69, and 71, and the requirements prescribed by regulations made under section 200, have been met in respect of the drinking water supply; and
(e)
the likelihood that the drinking water supplier will be able to meet the requirements in sections 68, 69, and 71, and the requirements prescribed by regulations made under section 200, in respect of the drinking water supply; and
(f)
the results of any assessment under section 125 of the Local Government Act 2002.
(2)
If section 83(1) applies in respect of a drinking water supplier that is not a territorial authority, the chief executive must consult the territorial authority or authorities responsible for the area in which the drinking water supply is located before making an appointment under section 83(2).
(3)
In deciding whether to renew an appointment made under section 83(2), the chief executive must—
(a)
consider—
(i)
the matters specified in subsection (1); and
(ii)
the results of any consultation undertaken under subsection (2); and
(b)
revoke the appointment and direct the supplier to resume the performance of the supplier’s functions or duties if the chief executive considers that the supplier is capable of doing so.
(4)
If subsection (3)(b) applies, the chief executive must give the person appointed under section 83(2) notice of the revocation of that person’s appointment.
Compare: 2004 No 72 s 278
85 Effect of appointment
If a person is appointed under section 83,—
(a)
that person has all the drinking water supplier’s functions and duties specified in the appointment, and the powers necessary to perform those functions or duties, as if they had been imposed or conferred on that person directly by this Act and not by the appointment; and
(b)
this Act applies accordingly.
Compare: 2004 No 72 s 279
86 Costs may be recovered from drinking water supplier
(1)
This section applies to all costs, charges, and expenses incurred by—
(a)
the Water Services Authority, for the purposes of section 83; and
(b)
a person appointed under section 83, in respect of their functions and duties under section 85.
(2)
The costs, charges, and expenses may be recovered from the drinking water supplier concerned as a debt due to the Water Services Authority.
Compare: 2004 No 72 s 280
Section 86(1)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 86(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
87 Requirements for appointment
(1)
The chief executive must specify in writing—
(a)
the period for which the appointment is made; and
(b)
the supplier’s functions and duties under this Act that the appointed person is required to perform.
(2)
The appointment may—
(a)
be on any conditions that the chief executive thinks fit; and
(b)
be renewed in accordance with section 84.
(3)
A person appointed under section 83 may resign from the person’s appointment by giving not less than 90 working days’ written notice of the intention to resign to the chief executive.
Compare: 2004 No 72 s 281
88 Notice of appointment to drinking water supplier
(1)
The chief executive must notify a drinking water supplier of an appointment under section 83 not less than 90 days before the commencement of the appointment.
(2)
The notice must—
(a)
be in writing; and
(b)
specify the period for which the appointment is made; and
(c)
specify the supplier’s functions and duties under this Act that the appointed person is required to perform; and
(d)
contain the contact information for the chief executive of the Water Services Authority described in section 125(2).
Section 88(2)(d): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 13—Review and appeals
Internal review
89 Application for internal review
(1)
A person affected by a decision to which this section applies (the reviewable decision) or the person’s representative may apply to the Water Services Authority for a review (an internal review) of the decision within—
(a)
20 working days after the day on which the decision first came to the affected person’s notice; or
(b)
any longer period that the Water Services Authority allows.
(2)
This section applies to the following decisions:
(a)
any directions issued by the Water Services Authority or a compliance officer:
(b)
any conditions issued by the Water Services Authority under section 33 that apply to a temporary drinking water supply:
(c)
any decision by the chief executive to grant or refuse to grant an exemption under section 57 or 58:
(d)
any decision to refuse to authorise, or to amend, suspend, or revoke, an authorisation under regulations made under section 200.
(3)
The application must be made in the manner and form required by the Water Services Authority.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 131
Section 89(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 89(1)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 89(2)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 89(2)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 89(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
90 Decision of Water Services Authority
(1)
The Water Services Authority must review the reviewable decision and make a decision—
(a)
as soon as practicable; and
(b)
in any case, within 20 working days after the application for internal review is received.
(2)
However, the individual who made the reviewable decision must not review the decision.
(3)
The Water Services Authority’s decision may—
(a)
confirm or vary the reviewable decision; or
(b)
set aside the reviewable decision; or
(c)
set aside the reviewable decision and substitute another decision that the Water Services Authority considers appropriate.
(4)
The Water Services Authority may seek further information from the applicant, and, if it does,—
(a)
the applicant must provide the information within the period (not less than 7 working days) specified by the Water Services Authority in the request for information; and
(b)
the period specified in subsection (1)(b) ceases to run until the applicant provides the information to the Water Services Authority.
(5)
If the applicant does not provide the further information within the required time, the Water Services Authority may make a decision on the internal review on the basis of the information held by the Water Services Authority.
(6)
If the reviewable decision is not varied or set aside within the period specified in subsection (1)(b), the decision is to be treated as having been confirmed by the Water Services Authority.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 132
Section 90 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 90(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 90(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 90(3)(c): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 90(4): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 90(4)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 90(4)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 90(5): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 90(6): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
91 Notice of decision on internal review
As soon as practicable after making a decision in accordance with section 90, the Water Services Authority must give the applicant in writing—
(a)
the decision on the internal review; and
(b)
the reasons for the decision.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 133
Section 91: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
92 Stay of reviewable decision on internal review
(1)
If an application is made for an internal review of a decision, the Water Services Authority may stay the operation of the decision.
(2)
The Water Services Authority may stay the operation of a decision—
(a)
on the Water Services Authority’s own initiative; or
(b)
on the application of the applicant for review.
(3)
The Water Services Authority must make a decision on an application for a stay within 3 working days after the Water Services Authority receives the application.
(4)
If the Water Services Authority has not made a decision on an application under subsection (2)(b) within the time set out in subsection (3), the Water Services Authorityi is to be treated as having made a decision to grant a stay.
(5)
A stay of the operation of a decision pending a decision on an internal review continues until the reviewer has made a decision on the review.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 134
Section 92(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 92(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 92(2)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 92(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 92(4): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Appeals
93 Appeal
(1)
A person may appeal to the District Court against any of the following on the grounds that it is unreasonable:
(a)
a decision or determination specified in section 64(5):
(b)
the Water Services Authority’s decision under section 90 on an internal review:
(c)
the whole or any part of a compliance order issued under section 120.
(2)
The appeal must be lodged within 20 working days after the day on which the decision or determination first came to the person’s notice or the compliance order was served on the person.
(3)
On an appeal under subsection (1), the court must inquire into the decision, determination, or compliance order and may—
(a)
confirm or vary the decision, determination, or compliance order; or
(b)
set aside the decision or determination, or cancel the compliance order; or
(c)
set aside the decision or determination and substitute another decision or determination that the court considers appropriate; or
(d)
cancel the compliance order and substitute another compliance order that the court considers appropriate; or
(e)
refer the decision, determination, or compliance order back to the decision maker with the court’s opinion, together with any directions as to how the matter should be dealt with.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 135
Section 93(1)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
94 Interim order by District Court
(1)
At any time before the final determination of an appeal, the District Court may make an interim order.
(2)
An interim order may be subject to any conditions that the District Court thinks fit.
(3)
If the District Court makes an interim order, the Registrar of that court must send a copy of the order to the Water Services Authority.
Compare: 2013 No 148 s 23
Section 94(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
95 Appeal to High Court
(1)
A person may appeal to the High Court on a question of law only from a decision by the District Court that determines an appeal under section 64(5) or 93(1).
(2)
An appeal must be made by giving notice of appeal no later than 20 working days after the date on which notice of the decision was communicated to the appellant or any further time that the High Court may allow.
(3)
However, nothing in this section affects the right of any person to apply for judicial review.
Compare: 2013 No 148 s 22
96 Appeals to Court of Appeal or Supreme Court
(1)
A party to an appeal under section 95 may appeal to the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court against any determination of the High Court on a question of law arising in that appeal, with the leave of the court appealed to.
(2)
The Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court hearing an appeal under this section has the same power to adjudicate on the appeal as the High Court had.
(3)
Subsection (1) is subject to section 75 of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (which provides that the Supreme Court must not give leave to appeal directly to it against a decision made in a court other than the Court of Appeal unless it is satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances that justify taking the proposed appeal directly to the Supreme Court).
97 Effect of appeal against compliance order
An appeal under sections 93 to 96 against a compliance order has the following effects:
(a)
while the order is the subject of an appeal or while the time for the person’s appeal rights is running, the chief executive whose compliance order is appealed against—
(i)
may, if they receive new information that relates to the compliance order, revoke or amend the order; or
(ii)
if subparagraph (i) does not apply, must not revoke or amend the order.
(b)
an appeal against a compliance order does not operate as a stay of that order unless the court orders otherwise.
Compare: 1999 No 142 s 156H
Section 97(a): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 144 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Part 3 Standards, enforcement, and other matters
Part 3 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 145 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 1AA—National Engineering Design Standards (NEDS) for water services networks
Subpart 1AA: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Preliminary
Heading: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97A Outline of this subpart
This subpart—
(a)
provides for the development, making, and ongoing review of the National Engineering Design Standards (the NEDS) that contain performance-based requirements relating to the water services infrastructure that makes up a water services network; and
(b)
provides for compliance with the NEDS by water service providers; and
(c)
provides for national codes of practice that water service providers may use to comply with the NEDS; and
(d)
allows water service providers to approve alternative ways of complying with the NEDS.
Section 97A: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97B Purpose of NEDS
The purpose of the NEDS is to provide for national consistency in the design, construction, and operational performance of water services networks, including by—
(a)
promoting the efficient and financially sustainable operation of those networks; and
(b)
improving the networks’ reliability and resilience; and
(c)
protecting public health and safety; and
(d)
contributing to the continuous improvement of water services.
Section 97B: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97C Interpretation
In this subpart, unless the context otherwise requires,—
alternative solution means a way of complying with the NEDS that is approved by a water service provider under section 97P as an alternative to acting in accordance with the national codes of practice
national code of practice means a national code of practice made by the Water Services Authority under section 97I
stormwater network has the same meaning as in section 4 of the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
wastewater network has the same meaning as in section 4 of the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
water services infrastructure has the same meaning as in section 4 of the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
water services network means 1 or more of the following:
(a)
a water supply network:
(b)
a stormwater network:
(c)
a wastewater network
water supply network has the same meaning as in section 4 of the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025.
Section 97C: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Development and making of NEDS
Heading: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97D Water Services Authority to develop NEDS
(1)
The Water Services Authority may develop the NEDS for the purposes of this subpart.
(2)
The NEDS must contain—
(a)
performance-based requirements for the design, construction, and operational performance of the water services infrastructure that makes up water services networks owned or operated by water service providers, including water services infrastructure that is proposed to be transferred to a water service provider; and
(b)
requirements about how water services infrastructure is to be connected to a water services network; and
(c)
requirements for the repair, upgrade, renewal, replacement, maintenance, and decommissioning of water services infrastructure that makes up water services networks; and
(d)
requirements about how information about the design, construction, and operational performance of water services infrastructure should be collected, kept, and shared.
(3)
The NEDS may include a requirement to use a specified method to determine whether performance-based requirements have been met.
(4)
The requirements in the NEDS—
(a)
must specify the type of water services network to which they apply; and
(b)
may apply to classes of types of water services infrastructure.
(5)
In addition, the requirements in the NEDS may vary in their application to different regions or districts if variations between those regions or districts (for example, geographic, climatic, and geological variations) impact the performance of water services infrastructure.
Section 97D: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97E Draft NEDS: consultation
(1)
Before making a recommendation under section 97F, the Water Services Authority must consult the following in relation to a draft of the proposed NEDS:
(a)
water service providers:
(b)
water services industry representative bodies:
(c)
the Commerce Commission:
(d)
any central government agency that is responsible for providing advice and guidance on water services infrastructure and that the Water Services Authority considers appropriate.
(2)
Consultation must include—
(a)
adequate and appropriate notice of the content of the draft NEDS; and
(b)
a reasonable opportunity for the entities listed in subsection (1) to make submissions; and
(c)
appropriate consideration of any submissions received.
(3)
However, the Water Services Authority need not consult the entities listed in subsection (1) if it is satisfied that a proposed amendment to the NEDS—
(a)
needs to be made—
(i)
urgently for safety reasons; or
(ii)
to deal with transitional issues; or
(b)
is minor and will not adversely and substantially affect the interest of any person.
Section 97E: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97F Water Services Authority recommends NEDS to Minister
On completing the development of the NEDS, including the consultation process, the Water Services Authority may recommend to the Minister that the NEDS be issued by regulations made under section 200.
Section 97F: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97G Ongoing review of NEDS
(1)
The Water Services Authority—
(a)
may review and update the NEDS at any time; but
(b)
must review and update the NEDS at least every 10 years.
(2)
Sections 97D to 97F apply, with all necessary modifications, to a review and update of the NEDS.
(3)
Despite subsection (2), the Water Services Authority is not required to consult on the draft of a proposed update to the NEDS under section 97E if the proposed update—
(a)
needs to be made urgently for safety reasons; or
(b)
contains only minor amendments that will not adversely and substantially affect any person’s interests.
Section 97G: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
National codes of practice
Heading: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97H Effect of national codes of practice
(1)
This section and sections 97I and 97J provide for national codes of practice as a way in which water service providers may comply with the NEDS (or, where applicable, ensure that work that a person carries out for or on behalf of a water service provider meets the requirements of the NEDS).
(2)
For the purposes of complying with the NEDS, a water service provider—
(a)
may, but is not required to, act in accordance with a national code of practice; and
(b)
that acts in accordance with a national code of practice must be treated as having complied with the NEDS requirement to which the code relates.
Section 97H: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97I National codes of practice
(1)
The Water Services Authority may, by notice published in the Gazette, make national codes of practice for the purposes of this Act.
(2)
A national code of practice provides a means of compliance with 1 or more requirements in the NEDS and may contain any matter for that purpose, including the following:
(a)
technical specifications and standards for the design, construction, and operational performance of 1 or more types or classes of water services infrastructure that make up a water services network owned or operated, wholly or partly, by a water service provider:
(b)
detailed specifications and standards for the design and construction of water services infrastructure the ownership of which is proposed to be transferred to a water service provider:
(c)
detailed specifications, standards, and steps for connecting water services infrastructure to a water services network:
(d)
detailed specifications, standards, and steps for the repair, upgrade, renewal, maintenance, and decommissioning of water services infrastructure:
(e)
detailed steps and standards concerning how information about the design, construction, and operational performance of water services infrastructure is to be collected, kept, and shared with other persons:
(f)
any other detailed specifications, standards, and steps relating to the design, construction, and operational performance of water services infrastructure.
(3)
A national code of practice may also contain warnings that the chief executive includes in it under section 97S.
(4)
The provisions of a national code of practice—
(a)
must specify the NEDS requirements to which they apply; and
(b)
must specify the type of water services network to which they apply; and
(c)
may apply to classes of types of water services infrastructure; and
(d)
may vary in their application to different regions or districts.
(5)
National codes of practice made under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 s 74(1)(aa) | ||
| • publish it in accordance with the Legislation (Publication) Regulations 2021 | ||||
| • publish it in the Gazette | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 97I: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97J Preparation of national codes of practice
When preparing, and when reviewing and updating, a national code of practice, the Water Services Authority must undertake consultation with the same persons and bodies, and by the same method, as when preparing, or reviewing and updating, the NEDS.
Section 97J: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Water service providers ensure compliance with NEDS
Heading: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97K Vesting in water service providers
(1)
A water service provider must not accept a transfer of ownership of water services infrastructure from any person unless the infrastructure meets the design, construction, and operational performance requirements in the NEDS.
(2)
A water service provider is not required to accept a transfer of ownership of infrastructure that meets the requirements in the NEDS.
Section 97K: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97L Connecting infrastructure to network
(1)
A water service provider must not connect, or allow any other person to connect, water services infrastructure to a water services network for which the provider is responsible unless—
(a)
the infrastructure meets the design, construction, and operational performance requirements in the NEDS; and
(b)
the connection is made in accordance with connection requirements in the NEDS; and
(c)
the connection is made in accordance with any applicable water services bylaw.
(2)
A water service provider is not required to make or allow a connection that satisfies subsection (1).
Section 97L: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97M Construction of infrastructure
A water service provider must ensure that water services infrastructure that it constructs complies with the NEDS.
Section 97M: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97N Repair, replacement, maintenance, decommissioning, etc, of infrastructure
(1)
A water service provider that is carrying out work repairing, upgrading, replacing, renewing, maintaining, or decommissioning the whole or any part of any water services infrastructure must comply with the NEDS.
(2)
This section does not apply to work that—
(a)
is necessary or desirable for the continued operation of the relevant infrastructure; and
(b)
does not significantly alter the capacity, efficiency, security, or safety of the infrastructure (for example, because the work is minor or isolated).
Section 97N: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97O Information requirements
In taking an action or making a decision to which any of sections 97K to 97N apply, a water service provider must comply with all requirements in the NEDS concerning the collection, keeping, and sharing of information about the design, construction, and operational performance of the relevant water services infrastructure.
Section 97O: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Alternative solutions
Heading: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97P Water service provider may approve alternative solution
(1)
A water service provider may take or allow an action to which any of sections 97K to 97N apply in accordance with a solution that the provider approves as an alternative to acting in accordance with a relevant national code of practice.
(2)
An alternative solution approved under this section must—
(a)
involve full compliance with the NEDS; and
(b)
be consistent with any applicable water services bylaw.
(3)
A water service provider may approve an alternative solution—
(a)
on its own initiative; or
(b)
on application.
(4)
A water service provider must give a copy of any approved alternative solution to the Water Services Authority.
Section 97P: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Warnings
Heading: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97Q Chief executive may issue warnings
(1)
The chief executive may issue a warning in relation to—
(a)
specified water services infrastructure; or
(b)
a specified method relating to water services infrastructure.
(2)
The chief executive may issue a warning if they consider, on reasonable grounds, that specified water services infrastructure or a specified method relating to water services infrastructure has resulted, or is likely to result, in a failure to meet a requirement of the NEDS.
(3)
In this section and sections 97R and 97S,—
specified method relating to water services infrastructure and specified method include the following:
(a)
a specified method of connecting water services infrastructure to a water services network:
(b)
a specified method of operating water services infrastructure once connected to a water services network:
(c)
a specified method of constructing water services infrastructure:
(d)
a specified method of repairing, upgrading, replacing, renewing, maintaining, or decommissioning water services infrastructure
specified water services infrastructure includes—
(a)
a specified type or class of water services infrastructure; and
(b)
water services infrastructure with a specified feature or characteristic; and
(c)
a specified design of water services infrastructure.
Section 97Q: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97R Process for proposed warning
(1)
Before issuing a warning under section 97Q, the chief executive must consider whether—
(a)
any reasonably practicable modifications to the specified water services infrastructure can be made; and
(b)
any reasonably practicable alternative to the specified method may be adopted.
(2)
If, after considering those matters, the chief executive proposes to issue a warning, they must consult in accordance with this section.
(3)
The chief executive must make a notice containing the following publicly available:
(a)
a statement of the proposed warning:
(b)
reasons for the proposed warning:
(c)
a summary of the assessment of reasonably practicable options:
(d)
the date on which the proposed warning will come into force:
(e)
an invitation for the submission of comments on the proposed warning by a specified date.
(4)
The chief executive must consider all comments submitted by the specified date.
(5)
The chief executive need not consult if satisfied that the warning needs to be issued urgently for safety reasons.
(6)
The chief executive must—
(a)
decide whether to issue the proposed warning (or a variation of the proposed warning); and
(b)
issue any warning in accordance with section 97S.
(7)
If the chief executive decides not to issue a warning, they must make that decision publicly available.
(8)
The chief executive must follow the process set out in this section for any proposal to amend or revoke a warning.
Section 97R: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97S How warning is issued
(1)
The chief executive must issue a warning in relation to specified water services infrastructure or a specified method by notifying the warning in the Gazette.
(2)
On issuing the warning, the chief executive may include it in the relevant national code of practice.
(3)
When reviewing and updating a national code of practice, the Water Services Authority need not undertake consultation as required by section 97J if, or to the extent that, the update consists of including a warning in that national code of practice.
Section 97S: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
97T Effect of warning
(1)
A water service provider must take any relevant warning into account when taking actions or making decisions to which any of sections 97K to 97O apply.
(2)
A water service provider that takes an action or makes a decision referred to in subsection (1) despite an applicable warning must notify the chief executive of how the provider took the warning into account beforehand.
Section 97T: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 146 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 1—Provisions relating to appointment of compliance officers
98 Appointment of compliance officers
(1)
The Water Services Authority may, by notice in writing, appoint any of the following as a compliance officer:
(a)
an employee of the Water Services Authority:
(b)
an employee of a department (within the meaning of the Public Service Act 2020):
(c)
an employee of the State services (within the meaning of the Public Service Act 2020):
(d)
any other person who the Water Services Authority is satisfied—
(i)
is suitably qualified and trained:
(ii)
belongs to a class of persons who are suitably qualified and trained to exercise any or all of the powers of, and carry out any or all of the duties of, a compliance officer.
(2)
A compliance officer’s compliance powers are subject to any conditions or limitations specified in the notice of the officer’s appointment.
(3)
However, the exercise of a compliance power by a compliance officer is not invalid merely because it did not comply with the conditions specified in the notice of the officer’s appointment.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 163
Section 98(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 98(1)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 98(1)(b): amended, on 27 November 2025, by section 160 of the Statutes Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 74).
Section 98(1)(c): amended, on 27 November 2025, by section 160 of the Statutes Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 74).
Section 98(1)(d): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
99 Identity cards
(1)
The Water Services Authority must give each compliance officer an identity card that—
(a)
states the person’s name and appointment as a compliance officer; and
(b)
includes any other matter prescribed by regulations made under section 200.
(2)
A compliance officer must, when exercising compliance powers under this Act, produce their identity card for inspection on request.
(3)
A person who ceases to be a compliance officer must as soon as practicable return the identity card to the Water Services Authority.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 164
Section 99(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 99(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
100 Suspension and ending of appointment of compliance officers
(1)
The Water Services Authority may suspend or end the appointment of a compliance officer at any time.
(2)
To avoid doubt, a person’s appointment as a compliance officer ends when the person ceases to be eligible for appointment as a compliance officer.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 165
Section 100(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
101 Compliance officers subject to Water Services Authority’s directions
(1)
A compliance officer (whether or not an employee) is subject to directions from the Water Services Authority in the exercise of the officer’s compliance powers.
(2)
A direction under subsection (1) may be of a general nature or may relate to a specified matter or specified class of matter.
(3)
A failure to comply with a direction under subsection (1) does not invalidate the exercise of a compliance officer’s compliance power.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 166
Section 101 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 101(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
102 Chief executive has powers of compliance officer
The chief executive has all the powers that a compliance officer has under this Act.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 167
Subpart 2—Powers of compliance officers
Purpose
103 Purpose of powers in this subpart
A compliance officer may exercise a power under this subpart only for 1 or more of the following purposes:
(a)
to ensure that legislative requirements have been, are being, or will be complied with:
(b)
to ensure that a drinking water supplier has been, is, or will be complying with a drinking water safety plan:
(c)
to ensure that local authorities and others are complying with any undertakings made as part of a source water risk management plan:
(d)
to respond to serious risks to public health relating to drinking water:
(e)
to investigate anything that might have contaminated drinking water and poses a risk to human life or public health:
(f)
to investigate the commission of offences under this Act:
(g)
to bring proceedings in relation to any compliance orders, enforceable undertakings, or offences under this Act.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZN
Directions
104 Directions
(1)
A compliance officer may issue a direction to a drinking water supplier, or to any person supplying drinking water under section 33 or 34, for the purposes in section 103(a) to (d).
(2)
A drinking water supplier or other person to whom a direction is issued must comply with the direction within any time frame (including immediately) specified in the direction (if any).
(3)
A direction may be amended or revoked at any time.
(4)
The amendment or revocation of a direction does not have retrospective effect.
(5)
A compliance officer must issue a direction under this section in accordance with the requirements in section 125.
(6)
To avoid doubt, a direction issued under this section may require the treatment of drinking water.
Section 104(1): amended, on 31 August 2023, by section 244 of the Water Services Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 52).
Dealing with serious risk to public health
105 Compliance officer powers where serious risk to public health exists
(1)
This section applies if a compliance officer believes, on reasonable grounds, that there is a serious risk to public health.
(2)
In this subpart, serious risk to public health means a serious risk relating to—
(a)
the drinking water supplied to consumers; or
(b)
the ongoing supply of a sufficient quantity of drinking water to consumers.
(3)
If this section applies, the compliance officer may—
(a)
take immediate action, or direct any person to take immediate action, to prevent, reduce, or eliminate the serious risk to public health:
(b)
direct any person to stop, or prohibit any person from starting, anything that the Water Services Authority believes, on reasonable grounds, is a cause of, or contributes to, the serious risk to public health:
(c)
direct all persons within a specific area to use an alternative drinking water supply:
(d)
direct a drinking water supplier to make arrangements to ensure that an alternative drinking water supply is available to affected persons (for example, by water carrier).
(4)
Every person who is directed by a compliance officer under subsection (3) must comply with that direction.
(5)
A compliance officer must issue a direction under this section in accordance with the requirements in section 125.
(6)
To avoid doubt, a direction issued under this section may require the treatment of drinking water.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZO(1), (2)
Section 105(3)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
106 Requirements relating to exercise of section 105 powers
(1)
The exercise of any power referred to in section 105(3) that would otherwise involve the contravention of any of sections 9, 12, 13, 14, and 15 of the Resource Management Act 1991 is not a contravention of any of those sections if, before the exercise of the power, the compliance officer—
(a)
consults the relevant consent authority and takes account of any views expressed by the authority about the way in which the power is to be exercised; and
(b)
obtains the consent of the Water Services Authority to the exercise of the power.
(2)
A compliance officer must—
(a)
take all practicable steps to consult affected drinking water suppliers before exercising a power referred to in section 105(3); and
(b)
in every case, take all reasonable steps to comply with rules that relate to health and safety at any place, while the officer exercises any power referred to in section 105(3) in that case.
(3)
A direction imposed under section 105(3) ceases to have effect at the expiry of 72 hours after it is imposed unless, before the expiry of that period, the Water Services Authority—
(a)
is satisfied that the direction ought to continue in effect; and
(b)
has declared a drinking water emergency under section 59 in relation to the risk of harm that was the reason for imposing that direction.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZO(3)–(5)
Section 106(1): amended, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Section 106(1)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 106(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Power to take samples and to conduct inquiries or inspections
Heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 147 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
107 Power to take and test samples and to conduct inquiries or inspections
A compliance officer may, as they consider necessary,—
(a)
take and test samples of, and conduct inquiries or inspections in relation to, all or any of the following:
(i)
a source of a drinking water supply:
(ii)
raw water:
(iii)
drinking water; and
(b)
direct any drinking water supplier to take a specified action referred to in paragraph (a) and to report to the officer with the results; and
(c)
direct a drinking water supplier to test samples at any facility the officer considers necessary, such as an accredited laboratory.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZP(1)(e)–(h)
Section 107 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 148 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Power to obtain information
108 Power to obtain information
(1)
A compliance officer may, for the purpose of performing or exercising their functions or powers,—
(a)
inspect, at all reasonable times, all records and documents of every description in the possession or control of a drinking water supplier that are required to be kept under this Act; and
(b)
make copies of, or take extracts from, those records and documents; and
(c)
direct any person who has possession or control of those records and documents to supply to the compliance officer, in any reasonable manner that the officer specifies, all or any of those records or documents; and
(d)
take photographs, video recordings, and other visual images; and
(e)
take audio sound recordings; and
(f)
make electronic records.
(2)
The compliance officer must, no later than 10 working days after directing a person to supply documents under this section, provide the person with an inventory of all documents taken.
(3)
Subpart 5 of Part 4 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (privilege and confidentiality) applies to anything done under this section.
(4)
Nothing in this section limits any enactment that imposes a prohibition or restriction on the availability of any information.
(5)
A compliance officer may use their power of entry and inspection under section 111 to obtain information under this section.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZP; 2014 No 32 s 300
Section 108(5): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 149 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
109 Power to require name and address
(1)
A compliance officer may require a person to provide the person’s name and residential address if—
(a)
the officer finds the person committing an offence against this Act; or
(b)
the officer finds the person in circumstances that lead, or has information that leads, the officer to reasonably suspect the person has committed an offence against this Act.
(2)
When asking a person to provide their name and residential address, the compliance officer must—
(a)
tell the person the reason for the requirement to provide their name and residential address; and
(b)
warn the person that it is an offence to fail to provide their name and residential address, unless the person has a reasonable excuse.
(3)
If the compliance officer reasonably believes that the name and residential address a person provides are false, the compliance officer may require the person to give evidence of their correctness.
(4)
Subpart 5 of Part 4 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (privilege and confidentiality) applies to anything done under this section.
(5)
Nothing in this section limits any enactment that imposes a prohibition or restriction on the availability of any information.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 175
110 Power to question drinking water supplier
(1)
A compliance officer may direct a drinking water supplier to answer any question for the purpose of—
(a)
ensuring that the legislative requirements have been, are being, or will be complied with; or
(b)
ensuring that a drinking water supplier has been, is, or will be complying with a drinking water safety plan; or
(c)
investigating anything that might have, or might potentially have, contaminated drinking water and poses a risk to human life or public health.
(2)
The supplier must answer the questions, subject to subsections (3) and (4).
(3)
Subpart 5 of Part 4 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (privilege and confidentiality) applies to anything done under this section.
(4)
Nothing in this section limits any enactment that imposes a prohibition or restriction on the availability of any information.
111 Powers of entry and inspection
(1)
A compliance officer may exercise a power under subsection (2) for 1 or more of the purposes in section 103(a) to (e).
(2)
A compliance officer may, in respect of a place described in subsection (4),—
(a)
enter the place; and
(b)
inspect the place; and
(c)
exercise the powers in section 107 or 108.
(3)
Before exercising the power to enter a place, the compliance officer must make reasonable efforts to contact the owner, occupier, or person in charge of the place.
(4)
The places are—
(a)
any area where water services infrastructure is used to collect, treat, or transmit drinking water for supply to consumers, including—
(i)
the point of supply:
(ii)
any end-point treatment device:
(iii)
any backflow prevention device; and
(b)
when exercising the powers in section 108, any premises of a local authority or a water organisation that are relevant to a compliance officer’s powers under section 108.
(5)
A compliance officer must not enter a home or a marae under this section, except with the consent of an occupier.
(6)
A compliance officer must not enter a defence area (within the meaning of section 2(1) of the Defence Act 1990) under this section, except in accordance with a written agreement between the Water Services Authority and the Chief of Defence Force.
Section 111(2)(c): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 150(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 111(4): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 150(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 111(6): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
112 Power to enter without search warrant
(1)
A compliance officer may exercise a power under subsection (2) if the officer believes, on reasonable grounds, that the exercise of the power is required in relation to a serious risk to public health.
(2)
A compliance officer may, in respect of a place described in subsection (4),—
(a)
enter the place without a search warrant; and
(b)
search the place; and
(c)
exercise any of the powers in sections 104 to 110.
(3)
Before exercising the power to enter a place without a search warrant, the compliance officer must make reasonable efforts to contact the owner, occupier, or person in charge of the place.
(4)
The places are any area where infrastructure and processes are used to collect, treat, or transmit drinking water for supply to consumers, including—
(a)
the point of supply:
(b)
any end-point treatment device:
(c)
any backflow prevention device.
(5)
Part 4 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (other than subparts 2, 3, 6, and 8 and sections 118 and 119) applies to anything done under this section.
(6)
A compliance officer must not enter a home or a marae under this section, except with the consent of an occupier.
(7)
A compliance officer must not enter a defence area (within the meaning of section 2(1) of the Defence Act 1990) under this section, except in accordance with a written agreement between the Water Services Authority and the Chief of Defence Force.
Compare: 2014 No 32 s 311
Section 112(7): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
113 Notice of entry
(1)
If a compliance officer enters any place under this Act and is unable, despite reasonable efforts, to find any person in charge, the officer must, before leaving the place, leave a written notice stating—
(a)
the officer’s identity; and
(b)
the officer’s contact information; and
(c)
the date and time of entry; and
(d)
the officer’s reasons for entering.
(2)
In this section, contact information includes—
(a)
the name of the officer; and
(b)
1 or more of the following:
(i)
telephone number:
(ii)
email address:
(iii)
physical or postal address.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 171
114 Power of Water Services Authority to authorise making of applications for search warrants
(1)
The Water Services Authority may authorise a specified person to enter and search a place, vehicle, or other thing for the purpose of ascertaining whether a person has engaged in or is engaging in conduct that contravenes or may contravene any legislative requirement or drinking water safety plan, if the Water Services Authority is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds—
(a)
to suspect that person has engaged in or is engaging in conduct that constitutes or may constitute a contravention; and
(b)
to believe that the search will find evidential material in or on any part of the place, vehicle, or thing.
(2)
A specified person authorised under subsection (1) may enter and search the place, vehicle, or other thing if—
(a)
the occupier of the place, or the person in charge of the vehicle or thing, (as the case may be) consents; or
(b)
the specified person obtains a warrant under subsection (3).
(3)
An issuing officer may issue a search warrant in relation to a place, vehicle, or thing on an application made in the manner provided by subpart 3 of Part 4 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 by a specified person authorised under subsection (1), if the issuing officer is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds—
(a)
to suspect that a person has engaged in or is engaging in conduct that contravenes or may contravene any legislative requirement or drinking water safety plan; and
(b)
to believe that the search will find evidential material in or on any part of the place, vehicle, or thing.
(4)
In this section, specified person means—
(a)
a compliance officer; or
(b)
an employee of the Water Services Authority; or
(c)
any other person who the Water Services Authority is satisfied is suitably qualified and trained.
(5)
Despite subsection (4), a constable may apply for a warrant to be issued under subsection (3) without an authorisation from the Water Services Authority under subsection (1).
(6)
The provisions of subpart 2 of Part 3 and Part 4 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (except sections 118 and 119) apply, with any necessary modifications.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 173
Section 114 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 114(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 114(4)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 114(4)(c): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 114(5): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
115 Continuation of powers of entry and inspection without search warrants
A compliance officer who, in the course of exercising a power under section 112, finds evidence of contravention of any relevant legislative requirement or drinking water safety plan is not required to obtain a search warrant under section 114 to continue exercising powers under section 112.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 174
116 Conditions of entry, search, and seizure
(1)
A compliance officer must take all reasonable steps to ensure that any equipment the officer has taken into a place is—
(a)
free from contamination; and
(b)
in good working order.
(2)
Section 110(e) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 applies.
Compare: 2014 No 32 s 299
117 Building Act 2004
(1)
If a compliance officer, in the course of performing functions or exercising powers under this Act, believes that any building or sitework that relates to the supply of drinking water does not comply with the Building Act 2004 or the building code, the officer must notify the appropriate territorial authority in writing and include details of the officer’s opinion.
(2)
For the purposes of this section, building, building code, sitework, and territorial authority have the meanings given to them by section 7 of the Building Act 2004.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 128A
118 Power to ask for assistance
(1)
A compliance officer who considers it necessary to do so may ask a person for assistance in performing the officer’s functions or duties, or exercising the officer’s powers (other than exercising a power of entry), under this Act.
(2)
If the person agrees to assist, they—
(a)
must act under the supervision of, and as instructed by, the officer; and
(b)
may accompany the officer into any place that the officer enters.
Compare: 2014 No 32 s 297
119 Protection of persons acting under authority of Act
(1)
This section applies to the following persons:
(a)
a compliance officer:
(b)
the chief executive:
(c)
a person called to assist a compliance officer:
(d)
the Water Services Authority:
(e)
an operator appointed under section 83(2):
(f)
a specified person authorised under section 114(1).
(2)
The person is protected from civil and criminal liability, however it may arise, for any act that the person does or omits to do in the performance or purported performance of the person’s functions or duties, or the exercise or purported exercise of the person’s powers, under this Act—
(a)
in good faith; and
(b)
with reasonable cause.
(3)
See also section 6 of the Crown Proceedings Act 1950.
Compare: 2014 No 32 s 351
Section 119(1)(d): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 3—Compliance orders
120 Power to serve compliance order
(1)
The chief executive may serve a compliance order on any person—
(a)
requiring that person to stop, or prohibiting that person from starting, anything done or to be done by, or on behalf of, that person that the chief executive believes, on reasonable grounds,—
(i)
contravenes, or is likely to contravene, any legislative requirement or drinking water safety plan (including any undertakings given by third parties to the plan); or
(ii)
will or may create a serious risk to public health that relates to a drinking water supply; or
(b)
requiring that person to do something that the chief executive believes, on reasonable grounds, will—
(i)
ensure compliance by, or on behalf of, that person with the legislative requirements or drinking water safety plan (including any undertakings given by third parties to the plan); or
(ii)
prevent, reduce, or eliminate any serious risk to public health that relates to a drinking water supply.
(1A)
The chief executive may serve a compliance order on a water service provider requiring the provider—
(a)
to stop, or prohibiting the provider from starting or continuing, anything done or to be done that the chief executive believes, on reasonable grounds, contravenes any of sections 97K to 97N; or
(b)
to do something that the chief executive believes, on reasonable grounds, will ensure compliance with any of those provisions.
(2)
A compliance order may be made subject to directions and conditions (for example, directions to amend a drinking water safety plan).
(3)
To avoid doubt, a compliance order served under this section may require the treatment of drinking water.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZZH
Section 120 heading: amended, on 27 November 2025, by section 161 of the Statutes Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 74).
Section 120(1A): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 151 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
121 Compliance with compliance order
(1)
A person on whom a compliance order is served must—
(a)
comply with the order within the period specified in it; and
(b)
unless the order directs otherwise, pay all the costs and expenses of complying with it.
(2)
This section is subject to the rights of appeal in sections 93 to 96.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZZI
122 Form and content of compliance order
A compliance order must state—
(a)
the name of the person to whom it relates; and
(b)
the reasons for the order; and
(c)
the action required to be taken, stopped, or not taken; and
(d)
the period within which the action must be taken or stopped, being a reasonable period within which to take the action required or to stop the action.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZZJ
123 Chief executive may vary or cancel order
Except as provided in section 97, a compliance order may be amended or revoked by the chief executive at any time.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 114
124 Formal irregularities or defects in order
A compliance order is not invalid merely because of any defect, irregularity, omission, or want of form in the order unless the defect, irregularity, omission, or want of form causes or is likely to cause a miscarriage of justice.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 115
125 General provisions relating to directions and orders
(1)
A direction, prohibition, or requirement issued under section 62, 104, or 105 and a compliance order issued under section 120—
(a)
must be in writing; and
(b)
must contain contact information for the Water Services Authority and the compliance officer (if applicable); and
(c)
must state that a person has a right of review under section 89 or a right of appeal under section 93; and
(d)
may be addressed to any person under the person’s legal name or usual business name or style.
(2)
In this section, contact information includes—
(a)
the name of the chief executive, and the name of the compliance officer (if applicable); and
(b)
1 or more of the following:
(i)
telephone number:
(ii)
email address:
(iii)
physical or postal address.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 112
Section 125(1)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 4—Remedial action
126 When chief executive may carry out remedial action
(1)
This section applies if a person fails to comply with the whole or any part of a compliance order that is issued to the person.
(2)
The chief executive may take any remedial action the chief executive believes reasonable to address serious risks to public health after giving written notice to the person of—
(a)
the chief executive’s intention to take that action; and
(b)
the person’s liability for the costs of that action.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 119
127 Power of chief executive to take other remedial action
(1)
This section applies if the chief executive reasonably believes that—
(a)
circumstances exist in which a compliance order can be issued; and
(b)
a compliance order cannot be issued at a place because, after taking reasonable steps, the person to whom the order could be issued cannot be found.
(2)
The chief executive may take any remedial action necessary to address serious risks to public health.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 120
128 Costs of remedial or other action
The Water Services Authority may recover as a debt due to the Water Services Authority the reasonable costs of any remedial action taken under—
(a)
section 126 from the person to whom a compliance order is issued; or
(b)
section 127 from any person to whom a compliance order could have been issued in relation to the matter.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 121
Section 128: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
129 Civil proceedings relating to non-compliance with compliance order
(1)
On application by the chief executive, the District Court may make an order—
(a)
compelling a person to comply with a compliance order; or
(b)
restraining a person from contravening a compliance order.
(2)
The District Court may make an order—
(a)
under subsection (1)(a) if it is satisfied that the person has refused or failed to comply with a compliance order:
(b)
under subsection (1)(b) if it is satisfied that the person has contravened, is contravening, or is likely to contravene a compliance order.
(3)
The District Court may make an order under this section—
(a)
whether or not proceedings have been brought for an offence against this Act in connection with any matter in relation to which the compliance order was issued; and
(b)
whether or not the compliance period for the compliance order has expired.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 122
Subpart 4A—Chief executive statements
Subpart 4A: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 152 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
129A Chief executive statement relating to drinking water supply
(1)
The chief executive may issue a statement advising that a drinking water supply may be unsafe, and the measures that consumers should take as a result.
(2)
A statement may be issued to specific consumers of a drinking water supply or to the general public.
(3)
The chief executive may issue a statement only if satisfied on reasonable grounds that—
(a)
the drinking water is or may be unsafe; or
(b)
the drinking water does not comply with drinking water standards; or
(c)
it is necessary to issue a statement to prevent, reduce, or remove a serious risk to public health arising from the drinking water.
(4)
This statement is protected by qualified privilege.
(5)
This section does not limit—
(a)
any other enactment or rule of law; and
(b)
the functions, duties, or powers of the chief executive or of any other person or body.
Section 129A: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 152 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 5—Enforceable undertakings
130 Chief executive may accept enforceable undertakings
(1)
The chief executive may accept an enforceable undertaking given by a person in writing in connection with a matter that relates to a contravention or an alleged contravention by the person of this Act, a legislative requirement, or a drinking water safety plan.
(1A)
However, the chief executive may refuse to accept the enforceable undertaking under subsection (1) if it does not provide for the person giving the undertaking to reimburse any costs and expenses incurred by the chief executive in relation to—
(a)
the undertaking; or
(b)
the contravention or alleged contravention.
(2)
The chief executive must not accept an enforceable undertaking under subsection (1) if the chief executive believes that the contravention or alleged contravention would amount to an offence against section 171, 173, or 174.
(3)
The giving of an enforceable undertaking does not constitute an admission of guilt by the person giving it in relation to the contravention or alleged contravention to which the undertaking relates.
(4)
For the purposes of subsection (1A), the costs and expenses of the chief executive include any costs or expenses incurred by, or in relation to, an employee, an agent, or a contractor of the Water Services Authority.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 123
Section 130(1A): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 153(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 130(4): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 153(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
131 Notice of decision and reasons for decision
(1)
The chief executive must give the person seeking to make an enforceable undertaking written notice of—
(a)
the decision to accept or reject the undertaking; and
(b)
the reasons for the decision.
(2)
The Water Services Authority must make available to the public, on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Water Services Authority, notice of a decision to accept an enforceable undertaking and the reasons for that decision.
(3)
In the case of an enforceable undertaking given by a drinking water supplier, the Water Services Authority must take steps to bring the undertaking to the attention of the consumers and any drinking water supplier served by the supplier.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 124
Section 131(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 131(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
132 When enforceable undertaking is enforceable
An enforceable undertaking takes effect and becomes enforceable when the chief executive’s decision to accept the undertaking is given to the person who made the undertaking, or at any later date specified by the chief executive.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 125
133 Contravention of enforceable undertaking
(1)
The chief executive may apply to the High Court for an order if a person contravenes an enforceable undertaking.
(2)
If the court is satisfied that the person who made the enforceable undertaking has contravened the undertaking, the court may make either or both of the following orders:
(a)
an order directing the person to comply with the undertaking:
(b)
a civil pecuniary penalty not exceeding $50,000 for an individual or $300,000 in any other case:
(c)
an order discharging the undertaking.
(3)
In addition to the orders referred to in subsection (2), the court may make any other order that the court considers appropriate in the circumstances, including orders directing the person to pay to the Water Services Authority—
(a)
the reasonable costs of the proceedings; and
(b)
the reasonable costs of the Water Services Authority in monitoring compliance with the enforceable undertaking in the future.
(4)
This section does not prevent proceedings being brought for the contravention or alleged contravention of this Act or regulations made under this Act to which the enforceable undertaking relates.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 127
Section 133(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 133(3)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
134 Withdrawal or variation of enforceable undertaking
(1)
A person who has given an enforceable undertaking may at any time, with the written agreement of the chief executive,—
(a)
withdraw the undertaking; or
(b)
vary the undertaking.
(2)
However, the provisions of the undertaking cannot be varied to provide for a different alleged contravention of this Act or regulations made under this Act.
(3)
The Water Services Authority must make available to the public, on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Water Services Authority, notice of the withdrawal or variation of an enforceable undertaking.
(4)
In the case of an enforceable undertaking given by a drinking water supplier, the Water Services Authority must take steps to bring the withdrawal or variation of the undertaking to the attention of the community served by the supplier.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 128
Section 134(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 134(4): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
135 Proceedings for alleged contravention
(1)
No proceedings (whether civil or criminal) for a contravention or an alleged contravention of this Act or regulations made under this Act may be brought against—
(a)
a person who made an undertaking in relation to that contravention, while the undertaking is enforceable and there is no contravention of the undertaking:
(b)
a person who made, and has completely discharged, an enforceable undertaking in relation to that contravention.
(2)
The chief executive may accept an enforceable undertaking in relation to a contravention or an alleged contravention before proceedings in relation to that contravention have been completed.
(3)
If the chief executive accepts an enforceable undertaking before the proceedings are completed, the chief executive must take all reasonable steps to have the proceedings discontinued as soon as practicable.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 129
Subpart 6—Planning and reporting requirements of Water Services Authority
Subpart 6 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
136 Drinking water compliance, monitoring, and enforcement strategy
(1)
The board of the Water Services Authority must prepare a drinking water compliance, monitoring, and enforcement strategy.
(2)
The board must review the strategy at least every 3 years.
(3)
The board may amend the strategy at any time.
(4)
The board may delegate to the chief executive the functions of preparing and amending the strategy.
(5)
The purpose of the strategy is to—
(a)
provide transparency about the Water Services Authority’s intended approach to achieving compliance with drinking water regulatory requirements over a 3-year period, and the outcomes sought from that approach; and
(b)
provide the basis on which the Water Services Authority is accountable for the performance of its regulatory functions and the use of its regulatory powers.
(6)
The strategy must include the Water Services Authority’s intended approach to—
(a)
performing the functions in section 32(1); and
(b)
achieving and enforcing compliance with drinking water legislation and standards, including how the Water Services Authority intends to—
(i)
support drinking water suppliers of different types, sizes, and abilities to build and maintain capability to comply with their regulatory responsibilities; and
(ii)
target its activities and prioritise its resources to focus on the suppliers, supplies, or practices that pose the greatest risk to drinking water safety; and
(iii)
perform its regulatory functions and apply its regulatory powers; and
(c)
exemptions issued under sections 57 and 58.
(6A)
Without limiting subsection (6), the strategy must include information about how the Water Services Authority’s intended approach applies to a mixed-use rural water scheme.
(7)
The chief executive must have regard to the strategy when performing the chief executive’s functions.
(8)
The Water Services Authority must ensure that the strategy is published in accordance with section 205.
Section 136(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 136(5)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 136(5)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 136(6): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 136(6)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 136(6A): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 154 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 136(8): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
137 Water Services Authority to publish annual drinking water regulation report
(1)
The Water Services Authority must ensure that, on an annual basis, it prepares a report on—
(a)
the extent to which persons (such as drinking water suppliers and local authorities) are complying with this Act and other enactments that relate to drinking water; and
(b)
the safety of drinking water supplied by drinking water suppliers; and
(c)
compliance rates of drinking water suppliers with the drinking water standards; and
(d)
the extent to which the risks and hazards to source water are being identified, managed, and monitored; and
(e)
[Repealed](f)
the performance of the Water Services Authority’s functions, including the Water Services Authority’s performance in achieving the objectives and targets of the compliance, monitoring, and enforcement strategy.
(g)
[Repealed](1A)
A report prepared under subsection (1) may, without limitation, also report on—
(a)
capability among drinking water suppliers and across the wider water services sector; and
(b)
the extent to which this Act is meeting its main purpose.
(1B)
The report must also include commentary on mixed-use rural water schemes in relation to those of the topics set out in subsection (1) that are relevant to mixed-use rural water schemes.
(2)
The Water Services Authority must provide a copy of the report to the Minister and the report must be presented to the House of Representatives.
(3)
The Water Services Authority must ensure that the report is published in accordance with section 205.
Section 137 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 137(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 137(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 155(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 137(1)(e): repealed, on 27 August 2025, by section 155(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 137(1)(f): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 137(1)(g): repealed, on 27 August 2025, by section 155(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 137(1A): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 155(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 137(1B): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 155(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 137(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 137(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 7—Provisions relating to wastewater networks
138 Wastewater environmental performance standards
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister and following consultation undertaken by the Water Services Authority with wastewater network operators, regional councils, and any other person the Water Services Authority considers appropriate, make regulations to set wastewater environmental performance standards, including standards that relate to—
(a)
discharges to air, water, or land:
(b)
biosolids and any other by-products from wastewater:
(c)
energy use:
(d)
waste that is introduced by a third party into a wastewater network (for example, trade waste).
(2)
Wastewater environmental performance standards may include (but are not limited to) requirements, limits, conditions, or prohibitions.
(2A)
A wastewater environmental performance standard may specify—
(a)
circumstances in which part or all of the wastewater environmental performance standard does not apply:
(b)
the activity status under the Resource Management Act 1991 that an activity will have if it is performed in accordance with the standard:
(c)
the activities controlled by the standard for which the consent authority—
(i)
is precluded from giving public notification of an application for a resource consent:
(ii)
is precluded from giving limited notification of an application for a resource consent:
(d)
a period during which—
(i)
existing wastewater infrastructure must be upgraded to meet the standard; or
(ii)
new wastewater infrastructure must be built to meet the standard:
(e)
that a discharge consent for existing or new wastewater infrastructure must include a condition requiring the infrastructure to be upgraded or built within the specified period.
(3)
Wastewater environmental performance standards—
(a)
may apply—
(i)
to all wastewater networks and their operators; or
(ii)
to classes of wastewater network and their operators; but
(b)
must not apply to an individual wastewater network or wastewater network operator.
(3A)
[Repealed](3B)
[Repealed](4)
Regulations made under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 138(1): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 156(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 138(2A): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 156(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 138(3A): repealed, on 27 August 2025, by section 156(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 138(3B): repealed, on 27 August 2025, by section 156(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 138(4): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 156(4) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
138A Repeal of provisions relating to National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management
[Repealed]Section 138A: repealed, on 27 August 2025, by section 157 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
138B Wastewater environmental performance standards: application of certain provisions of Resource Management Act 1991
(1)
Subsection (2) applies if a wastewater environmental performance standard applies to an activity that is permitted, or otherwise allowed without a resource consent, under the Resource Management Act 1991.
(2)
The following provisions of the Resource Management Act 1991 apply to the activity as if the wastewater environmental performance standard were a rule in a district plan or regional plan (as applicable) that has become operative:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Section 138B: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 158 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
139 Wastewater network risk management plans
(1)
A wastewater network operator must prepare and implement a risk management plan for the operator’s wastewater network.
(2)
A wastewater network risk management plan must—
(a)
identify any hazards that relate to the wastewater network; and
(b)
assess any risks that are associated with those hazards; and
(c)
identify how those risks will be managed, controlled, monitored, or eliminated; and
(d)
include any wastewater environmental performance measures, standards, or targets made by the Water Services Authority and how the measures, standards, or targets will be met.
(3)
The wastewater network operator must—
(a)
provide a draft risk management plan to the Water Services Authority within a time frame notified in the Gazette by the Water Services Authority; and
(b)
develop a final risk management plan that gives effect to any comments made by the Water Services Authority on the draft plan; and
(c)
provide a final risk management plan to the Water Services Authority within a time frame notified in the Gazette by the Water Services Authorityi.
(4)
The wastewater network operator must—
(a)
review its final risk management plan every 5 years; and
(b)
provide the updated plan to the Water Services Authority as soon as practicable following the review.
Section 139(2)(d): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 139(3)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 139(3)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 139(3)(c): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 139(4)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 7A—Provisions relating to stormwater networks
Subpart 7A: inserted, on 4 October 2023, by section 245 of the Water Services Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 52).
139A Stormwater environmental performance standards
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister and following consultation undertaken by the Water Services Authority with stormwater network operators, regional councils, and any other person the Water Services Authority considers appropriate, make regulations to set stormwater environmental performance standards, including standards relating to—
(a)
the environmental performance of stormwater networks, including the quality and quantity of stormwater:
(b)
inundation of property as a result of the performance of the stormwater networks:
(c)
discharges to air, water, or land.
(2)
Stormwater environmental performance standards may include (without limitation) requirements, limits, conditions, or prohibitions.
(3)
Stormwater environmental performance standards—
(a)
may apply—
(i)
to all stormwater networks and their operators; or
(ii)
to classes of stormwater network and their operators; but
(b)
must not apply to an individual stormwater network or stormwater network operator.
(3A)
A stormwater environmental performance standard may specify—
(a)
circumstances in which part or all of the stormwater environmental performance standard does not apply:
(b)
the activity status under the Resource Management Act 1991 that an activity will have if it is performed in accordance with the standard:
(c)
the activities controlled by the standard for which the consent authority—
(i)
is precluded from giving public notification of an application for a resource consent:
(ii)
is precluded from giving limited notification of an application for a resource consent:
(d)
a period during which—
(i)
existing stormwater infrastructure must be upgraded to meet the standard; or
(ii)
new stormwater infrastructure must be built to meet the standard:
(e)
that a discharge consent for existing or new stormwater infrastructure must include a condition requiring the infrastructure to be upgraded or built within the specified period.
(4)
Regulations made under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 139A: inserted, on 4 October 2023, by section 245 of the Water Services Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 52).
Section 139A(1): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 159(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 139A(3A): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 159(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 139A(4): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 159(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
139B Stormwater environmental performance standards: application of certain provisions of Resource Management Act 1991
(1)
Subsection (2) applies if a stormwater environmental performance standard applies to an activity that is permitted, or otherwise allowed without a resource consent, under the Resource Management Act 1991.
(2)
The following provisions of the Resource Management Act 1991 apply to the activity as if the stormwater environmental performance standard were a rule in a district plan or regional plan (as applicable) that has become operative:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Section 139B: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 160 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 7B—Infrastructure design solutions
Subpart 7B: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 161 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
139C Infrastructure design solutions
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister and following consultation undertaken by the Water Services Authority with stormwater network operators, wastewater network operators, regional councils, and any other person it considers appropriate, make regulations to set infrastructure design solutions that set the following matters for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure:
(a)
technical performance standards:
(b)
treatment processes:
(c)
design requirements:
(d)
operating requirements.
(2)
An infrastructure design solution set by regulations under subsection (1) may—
(a)
specify any or all resource consent requirements for wastewater or stormwater infrastructure:
(b)
identify circumstances in which a person must not rely on part or all of the infrastructure design solution:
(c)
specify the activity status under the Resource Management Act 1991 of some or all of the activities that are included in the infrastructure design solution:
(d)
identify whether, in respect of the activities included in the design solution, the consent authority is precluded from giving either or both of the following:
(i)
public notification of an application for a resource consent:
(ii)
limited notification of an application for a resource consent.
(3)
Compliance with an infrastructure design solution is not mandatory.
(4)
However, if wastewater or stormwater infrastructure complies with an infrastructure design solution, it is deemed to meet the relevant environmental performance standard.
(5)
Regulations made under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 139C: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 161 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
139D Infrastructure design solutions: application of certain provisions of Resource Management Act 1991
(1)
Subsection (2) applies if an infrastructure design solution relates to an activity that is permitted, or otherwise allowed without a resource consent, under the Resource Management Act 1991.
(2)
The following provisions of the Resource Management Act 1991 apply to the activity as if the infrastructure design solution were a rule in a district plan or regional plan (as applicable) that has become operative:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Section 139D: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 161 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 8—Monitoring and reporting on environmental performance of networks
140 Interpretation
In this subpart and in section 205,—
drinking water network means a drinking water supply that is operated by, for, or on behalf of, or whose operation or aspects of whose operation are supervised by, one of the following:
(a)
a local authority, water organisation, or subsidiary of a water organisation:
(b)
a department:
(c)
the New Zealand Defence Force
drinking water network operator means—
(a)
each of the following entities (to the extent that a drinking water network is operated, or its operation or aspects of its operation are supervised, by, for, or on behalf of the entity):
(i)
a local authority, water organisation, or subsidiary of a water organisation:
(ii)
a department:
(iii)
the New Zealand Defence Force; and
(b)
any person who operates a drinking water network, or any aspect of a drinking water network, for, or on behalf of, an organisation specified in paragraph (a)
network operators means drinking water network operators, stormwater network operators, and wastewater network operators
networks means drinking water networks, stormwater networks, and wastewater networks.
Section 140 drinking water network: amended, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 140 drinking water network paragraph (a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 162(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 140 drinking water network operator paragraph (a): amended, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 140 drinking water network operator paragraph (a)(i): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 162(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
141 Monitoring and reporting on environmental performance of networks
The Water Services Authority must monitor and report in accordance with this subpart on the environmental performance of networks and network operators for the purposes of—
(a)
providing transparency about—
(i)
the environmental performance of networks and network operators; and
(ii)
the extent to which networks are complying with applicable standards, conditions, or requirements (whether under legislation or as part of a resource consent); and
(iii)
the extent to which network operators are avoiding, remedying, or mitigating any adverse effects on the environment arising from the operation of networks; and
(b)
enabling comparisons to be made between the performance of different drinking water networks and drinking water network operators; and
(c)
enabling comparisons to be made between the performance of different wastewater networks and wastewater network operators; and
(d)
enabling comparisons to be made between the performance of different stormwater networks and stormwater network operators; and
(e)
enabling the identification of, and development of advice and guidance on,—
(i)
best practices that relate to the design, management, and operation of networks; and
(ii)
risks and issues that relate to performance and practice.
Section 141: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
142 Collection of information for monitoring and reporting on environmental performance
(1)
The Water Services Authority may collect, or require a person to provide, the information it considers necessary to achieve the purposes specified in section 141.
(2)
Any person required to provide information under subsection (1) must provide the information to the Water Services Authority in accordance with—
(a)
regulations made under section 200; or
(b)
if no applicable regulations have been made under section 200, any requirements specified by the Water Services Authority.
Section 142(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 142(2): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 163 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
143 Civil proceedings relating to non-compliance with section 142 or 146
(1)
The Water Services Authority may apply to the High Court for an order if a person does not comply with section 142(2) or 146(2).
(2)
If the court is satisfied that the person has not complied with section 142(2) or 146(2), the court may make either or both of the following:
(a)
an order directing the person to comply with section 142(2) or 146(2):
(b)
an order imposing a civil pecuniary penalty not exceeding $50,000.
(3)
In addition to the orders referred to in subsection (2), the court may make any other order that the court considers appropriate in the circumstances, including an order directing the person to pay to the Water Services Authority the reasonable costs of the proceedings.
Section 143(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 143(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
144 Network registers
(1)
For the purposes of monitoring and reporting under section 141, the Water Services Authority may establish and maintain—
(a)
a register of wastewater networks; and
(b)
a register of stormwater networks.
(2)
The Water Services Authority may maintain the registers in any form, including in different parts for different classes of network or network operators, or according to different geographical areas.
(3)
The Water Services Authority may include any information on the registers about wastewater and stormwater networks that it considers necessary to achieve the purposes specified in section 141.
(4)
The Water Services Authority must make any registers publicly available on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Water Services Authority.
(5)
Despite subsection (1), the Water Services Authority may exclude a wastewater network, a class of wastewater networks, a stormwater network, or a class of stormwater networks from the relevant register if it considers the network or class of networks need not be included.
Section 144(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 164(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 144(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 144(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 144(4): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 144(4): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 164(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 144(5): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 164(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
145 Environmental performance measures and targets for networks
(1)
The Water Services Authority may develop, publish, and maintain—
(a)
environmental performance measures for networks; and
(b)
environmental performance targets for networks.
(2)
Environmental performance measures and targets for wastewater networks may include measures and targets that relate to—
(a)
discharges to air, water, or land:
(b)
biosolids and any other byproducts from wastewater:
(c)
energy use:
(d)
waste that is introduced by a third party into a wastewater network (for example, trade waste).
(3)
Environmental performance measures and targets—
(a)
may apply—
(i)
to all networks and their operators; or
(ii)
to classes of network and their operators; but
(b)
must not apply to an individual network or network operator.
(4)
When developing or amending an environmental performance measure or target, the Water Services Authority must consult network operators, regional councils, and any other person it considers appropriate in accordance with section 53(2) and (3).
Section 145(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 145(4): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
146 Record-keeping requirements for monitoring and reporting purposes
(1)
The Water Services Authority may, by notice, require network operators to keep and maintain records relating to compliance with applicable—
(a)
environmental performance measures; and
(b)
environmental performance targets; and
(c)
for wastewater network operators, wastewater environmental performance standards and the requirements of wastewater network risk management plans; and
(d)
for stormwater network operators, stormwater environmental performance standards.
(2)
Network operators must—
(a)
keep and maintain the records required by the notice; and
(b)
make the records available to the Water Services Authority in any format specified in the notice.
(2A)
For the purpose of ensuring that a network operator complies with subsection (1), the Water Services Authority may require the network operator to provide the Water Services Authority with either or both of the following types of information:
(a)
a written statement as to whether the network operator has complied with subsection (1):
(b)
information that will enable the Water Services Authority to determine whether the network operator has complied with subsection (1).
(2B)
In addition to the information specified in subsection (2A), the Water Services Authority may require the network operator to provide a certificate to confirm that the information provided under this section is accurate and complete.
(2C)
A certificate under subsection (2B) must—
(a)
be in the form specified by the Water Services Authority; and
(b)
be signed by—
(i)
the network operator’s chief executive; or
(ii)
at least 1 board member or director of the network operator; or
(iii)
if the network operator has no board or director, a person occupying a position that is comparable to a board member or director.
(2D)
The Water Services Authority may require information to be provided under subsection (2A) only if the network operator is—
(a)
a territorial authority; or
(b)
a water organisation; or
(c)
a government department; or
(d)
the New Zealand Defence Force.
(3)
A notice made under subsection (1) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • notify it in the Gazette | ||||
| • publish it on an Internet site maintained by, or on behalf of, the Water Services Authority | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 146(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 146(1)(d): inserted, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 146(2)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 146(2A): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 165(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 146(2B): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 165(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 146(2C): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 165(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 146(2D): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 165(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 146(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 165(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
147 Annual reporting on networks
(1)
The Water Services Authority must, on an annual basis, publish a report on—
(a)
the environmental performance of networks and network operators, including their performance against environmental performance measures and targets; and
(b)
the extent to which networks are complying with applicable standards, conditions, or requirements (whether under legislation or as part of a resource consent); and
(c)
the extent to which network operators are avoiding, remedying, or mitigating any adverse effects on the environment arising from the operation of networks; and
(d)
best practices for networks, including—
(i)
[Repealed](ii)
specific risks or concerns that relate to individual performance and practices or system-wide performance and practices, or both.
(e)
[Repealed](2)
The Water Services Authority is not required to include in the report required by subsection (1) information that is required to be provided in the annual drinking water regulation report under section 137.
(3)
A report prepared under subsection (1) may also, without limitation,—
(a)
report on best practices for networks, including examples of best practices; and
(b)
include recommendations for any actions that might be taken to address matters raised in the report.
Section 147(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 147(1)(d)(i): repealed, on 27 August 2025, by section 166(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 147(1)(e): repealed, on 27 August 2025, by section 166(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 147(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 147(3): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 166(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
148 Further provisions relating to reporting
(1)
To avoid doubt, the reporting requirements in sections 137 and 147 are in addition to the obligation to prepare, present, and publish an annual report under section 150 of the Crown Entities Act 2004.
(2)
The Water Services Authority must give effect to the reporting duties in sections 137 and 147 in a report that is—
(a)
separate from the Water Services Authority’s annual report; and
(b)
published in accordance with section 205.
Section 148(1): amended, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 148(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 148(2): amended, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 148(2)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Subpart 9—Infringement offences
149 Interpretation
In this subpart,—
infringement fee, in relation to an infringement offence, means the infringement fee for the offence specified in regulations made under section 200
infringement offence means one of the following that is declared by regulations made under section 200 to be an infringement offence for the purposes of this Act:
(a)
an offence against a provision in subpart 11 of this Part, other than an offence against section 171, 173, or 174:
(b)
an offence against secondary legislation made under this Act.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 136
Section 149 infringement offence paragraph (b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 167 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
150 Infringement offences
(1)
A person who is alleged to have committed an infringement offence may—
(a)
be proceeded against by the filing of a charging document under section 14 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011; or
(b)
be issued with an infringement notice under section 151.
(2)
Proceedings commenced in the way described in subsection (1)(a) do not require the leave of a District Court Judge or Registrar under section 21(1)(a) of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957.
(3)
See section 21 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957 for the procedure that applies if an infringement notice is issued.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 137
151 When infringement notice may be issued
The chief executive or a compliance officer may issue an infringement notice to a person if the chief executive or compliance officer believes on reasonable grounds that the person is committing, or has committed, an infringement offence.
152 How infringement notice may be served
(1)
The chief executive or a compliance officer may serve an infringement notice on the person alleged to have committed an infringement offence by—
(a)
delivering it to the person or, if the person refuses to accept it, bringing it to the person’s notice; or
(b)
leaving it for the person at the person’s last known place of residence with another person who appears to be of or over the age of 14 years; or
(c)
leaving it for the person at the person’s place of business or work with another person; or
(d)
sending it to the person by prepaid post addressed to the person’s last known place of residence or place of business or work; or
(e)
sending it to an electronic address of the person in any case where the person does not have a known place of residence or business in New Zealand.
(2)
Unless the contrary is shown,—
(a)
an infringement notice (or a copy of it) sent by prepaid post to a person under subsection (1)(d) is to be treated as having been served on that person on the fifth working day after the date on which it was posted; and
(b)
an infringement notice sent to a valid electronic address under subsection (1)(e) is to be treated as having been served at the time the electronic communication first entered an information system that is outside the control of the chief executive or the compliance officer.
(3)
In this section, information system means a system for producing, sending, receiving, storing, displaying, or otherwise processing electronic communications.
153 What infringement notice must contain
(1)
An infringement notice must be in the form prescribed in the regulations and must contain the following particulars:
(a)
details of the alleged infringement offence that fairly inform a person of the time, place, and nature of the alleged offence:
(b)
the amount of the infringement fee:
(c)
the address of the place at which the infringement fee may be paid:
(d)
how the infringement fee may be paid:
(e)
the time within which the infringement fee must be paid:
(f)
a summary of the provisions of section 21(10) of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957:
(g)
a statement that the person served with the notice has a right to request a hearing:
(h)
a statement of what will happen if the person served with the notice neither pays the infringement fee nor requests a hearing:
(i)
any other particulars prescribed in the regulations.
(2)
If an infringement notice has been issued under this section, the procedure under section 21 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957 may be used in respect of the offence to which the infringement notice relates and, in that case, the provisions of that section apply with all necessary modifications.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 138
154 Revocation of infringement notice before payment is made
(1)
The chief executive or a compliance officer may revoke an infringement notice issued under section 151 before—
(a)
the infringement fee is paid; or
(b)
an order for payment of a fine is made or deemed to be made by a court under section 21 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957.
(2)
The chief executive or compliance officer must take reasonable steps to ensure that the person to whom the notice was issued is made aware of the revocation of the notice.
(3)
The revocation of an infringement notice before the infringement fee is paid is not a bar to any further action as described in section 150(1)(a) or (b) against the person to whom the notice was issued in respect of the same matter.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 139
155 Payment of infringement fees
All infringement fees paid for infringement offences must be paid into a Crown Bank Account.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 140
156 Reminder notices
A reminder notice must be in the form prescribed in the regulations and must include the same particulars, or substantially the same particulars, as the infringement notice.
Subpart 10—Criminal proceedings
157 Meaning of enforcement action
In this subpart, unless the context otherwise requires, enforcement action means,—
(a)
the filing of a charging document by the chief executive under section 14 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, or the issuing of an infringement notice by the chief executive or a compliance officer in respect of an offence under this Act; and
(b)
the filing of a charging document by a person other than the chief executive under section 14 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 in respect of an offence under this Act.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 141
158 Person may notify chief executive of interest in knowing of enforcement action
(1)
A person may notify the chief executive in the manner determined by the chief executive that the person has an interest in knowing whether a particular incident, situation, or set of circumstances has been, is, or is to be subject to the taking of enforcement action by the chief executive or a compliance officer.
(2)
If the chief executive receives a notification under subsection (1), the chief executive must notify the person in writing—
(a)
whether any enforcement action in respect of the incident, situation, or set of circumstances has been taken; and
(b)
if enforcement action has not been taken, whether the chief executive or compliance officer intends to take enforcement action in respect of the incident, situation, or set of circumstances.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 142
159 Prosecutions by chief executive
Subject to section 160, a prosecution for an offence under this Act may be brought only by the chief executive.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 143
160 Private prosecutions
(1)
A person other than the chief executive may file a charging document in respect of an offence under this Act if—
(a)
the chief executive or a compliance officer has not taken, and does not intend to take, enforcement action against any person in respect of the same incident, situation, or set of circumstances; and
(b)
the person has received notification from the Water Services Authority under section 158(2) that the chief executive or compliance officer—
(i)
has not taken enforcement action or prosecution action against any person in respect of the same incident, situation, or set of circumstances; and
(ii)
does not intend to take any enforcement action.
(2)
For the purposes of subsection (1), if enforcement action or prosecution action cannot be taken against any person in respect of the same incident, situation, or set of circumstances because the person is dead, the chief executive or compliance officer must be treated as intending to take enforcement action or prosecution action.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 144
Section 160(1)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
161 Continuing or repeated matters
Nothing in this Act prevents the chief executive or another person from taking enforcement action in respect of an incident, situation, or set of circumstances, despite enforcement action having been taken in respect of that incident, situation, or set of circumstances, if the incident, situation, or set of circumstances is continuing or repeated.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 145
Limitation periods for prosecutions
162 Limitation period for prosecutions brought by chief executive
(1)
Despite section 25 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, proceedings for an offence under this Act may be brought by the chief executive within the latest of the following periods to occur:
(a)
within 12 months after the date on which the incident, situation, or set of circumstances to which the offence relates first became known, or ought reasonably to have become known, to the chief executive:
(b)
within 6 months after the date on which a coroner completes and signs a certificate of findings under section 94 of the Coroners Act 2006 if it appears from the certificate of findings (or the proceedings of an inquiry) that an offence has been committed under this Act:
(c)
if an enforceable undertaking has been given in relation to the offence, within 6 months after—
(i)
the enforceable undertaking is contravened; or
(ii)
it comes to the notice of the chief executive that the enforceable undertaking has been contravened; or
(iii)
the chief executive has agreed under section 134(1) to the withdrawal of the enforceable undertaking.
(2)
Subsection (1) is subject to section 163.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 146
163 Extension of time if chief executive needs longer to decide whether to bring prosecution
(1)
This section applies if the chief executive considers that they will not be able to file a charging document by the end of the period specified in section 162(1)(a), (b), or (c).
(2)
The District Court may, on application by the chief executive made before the end of the relevant period specified in section 162(1)(a), (b), or (c), extend the time available for filing a charging document for a further period not exceeding 12 months from the date of expiry of that relevant specified period.
(3)
The court must not grant an extension under subsection (2) unless it is satisfied that—
(a)
the chief executive reasonably requires longer than the relevant specified period to decide whether to file a charging document; and
(b)
the reason for requiring the longer period is that the investigation of the events and issues surrounding the alleged offence is complex or time-consuming; and
(c)
it is in the public interest in the circumstances that a charging document is able to be filed after the relevant specified period expires; and
(d)
filing the charging document after the relevant specified period expires will not unfairly prejudice the proposed defendant in defending the charge.
(4)
The court must give the following persons an opportunity to be heard:
(a)
the chief executive:
(b)
the proposed defendant:
(c)
any other person who has an interest in whether a charging document should be filed, being a person described in section 158(1).
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 147
164 Certain proceedings may be brought after end of limitation period if fresh evidence discovered
Despite anything in section 162 or 163, the proceedings for an offence against subpart 11 may be brought after the end of the applicable limitation period if fresh evidence relevant to the offence is discovered and the court is satisfied that the evidence could not reasonably have been discovered within that period.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 149
Defence for strict liability offences
165 Defence in prosecution for strict liability offence
(1)
This section applies in a prosecution for an offence against any section listed in the following table:
| Section | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 172 | Negligence in supply of unsafe drinking water | |
| 173 | Offence involving contamination of raw water or drinking water | |
| 175 | Negligence in failure to take immediate action when drinking water unsafe | |
| 176 | Failure to notify Water Services Authority of notifiable risk or hazard | |
| 177 | Failure to provide sufficient quantity of drinking water | |
| 178 | Supplying drinking water from unregistered supply | |
| 179 | Providing false or misleading information | |
| 180 | Failure to notify changes in details on register | |
| 181 | Failure to comply with requirements relating to drinking water safety plan | |
| 182 | Failure to comply with condition, direction, prohibition, or requirement | |
| 183 | Failure to comply with compliance order or court order | |
| 184 | Failure to keep and maintain records | |
| 185 | Failure to comply with emergency directions | |
| 186 | Breach of requirements relating to authorisations | |
| 187 | Offences relating to planned events or unplanned supply of drinking water | |
| 188 | Failure to advise consumers about, provide, and report on complaint process | |
| 192 | Failure to comply with duty of due diligence |
(2)
The defendant has a defence if the defendant proves that—
(a)
the commission of the offence was due to—
(i)
the act or omission of another person; or
(ii)
an accident; or
(iii)
some other cause outside the defendant’s control; and
(b)
the defendant took all reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence, as defined in section 29, to avoid the commission of the offence or offences of the same kind.
(3)
For the purposes of this section, the court may take into account all relevant matters, including—
(a)
the likelihood of the hazard or risk concerned, including the risk to public health, occurring; and
(b)
the degree of harm that might result from the hazard or risk; and
(c)
what the person concerned knows, or ought reasonably to know, about—
(i)
the hazard or risk; and
(ii)
ways of eliminating or minimising the risk; and
(d)
the availability and suitability of ways to eliminate or minimise the risk.
Compare: 2014 No 32 s 251
Section 165(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 165(1): amended, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Liability of certain persons
166 Liability of body corporate or unincorporated body
(1)
This section applies when—
(a)
a body corporate or an unincorporated body is charged with an offence against this Act; and
(b)
for the purpose of the prosecution, it is necessary to establish the body corporate’s or unincorporated body’s state of mind.
(2)
It is sufficient to show that an officer, employee, or agent of the body corporate or unincorporated body, acting within the scope of their actual or apparent authority, had the state of mind.
Compare: 2014 No 32 s 245
167 Liability of body corporate, unincorporated body, principal, or individual
(1)
This section applies when—
(a)
a body corporate or an unincorporated body is charged with an offence against this Act for an action or omission of an officer, employee, or agent:
(b)
a principal is charged with an offence against this Act for an action or omission of an agent:
(c)
an individual is charged with an offence against this Act for an action or omission of an employee or agent.
(2)
The action or omission is treated as also the action or omission of the body corporate, unincorporated body, principal, or individual.
Compare: 2014 No 32 s 246
168 Liability of officers, employees, and agents of drinking water supplier
(1)
This section applies when a drinking water supplier that is a body corporate or an unincorporated body commits an offence against this Act.
(2)
An officer, employee, or agent of the drinking water supplier does not commit an offence against this Act, except where the officer, employee, or agent commits an offence against section 186, 190, 191, or 192.
169 Liability of volunteers
(1)
Subsection (2) applies in a prosecution for an offence against any section listed in the following table:
| Section | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 172 | Negligence in supply of unsafe drinking water | |
| 175 | Negligence in failure to take immediate action when drinking water unsafe | |
| 177 | Failure to provide sufficient quantity of drinking water | |
| 188 | Failure to advise consumers about, provide, and report on complaint process | |
| 192 | Failure to comply with duty of due diligence |
(2)
A volunteer acting in that capacity may not be charged with an offence to which this subsection applies.
(3)
In this section, volunteer means a person who is acting on a voluntary basis (whether or not the person receives out-of-pocket expenses).
Section 169(1): amended, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
170 Liability of elected officials
(1)
The following office holders, acting in that capacity, may not be charged with an offence against any section of this Act:
(a)
a member of a local authority, local board, or community board elected or appointed under the Local Electoral Act 2001:
(b)
a board member of a board of a school appointed or elected under the Education and Training Act 2020.
(2)
In this section,—
board and board member, in relation to a school, have the same meanings as in section 10(1) of the Education and Training Act 2020
community board means a board established under section 49(1) of the Local Government Act 2002
local authority and local board have the same meanings as in section 5(1) of the Local Government Act 2002.
Section 170(1)(b): amended, on 27 November 2025, by section 162(1)(a) of the Statutes Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 74).
Section 170(1)(b): amended, on 27 November 2025, by section 162(1)(b) of the Statutes Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 74).
Section 170(2) board and board member: inserted, on 27 November 2025, by section 162(2) of the Statutes Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 74).
Section 170(2) board and trustee: repealed, on 27 November 2025, by section 162(2) of the Statutes Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 74).
Subpart 11—Offences
Offences relating to supply of unsafe drinking water
171 Offence involving recklessness in supply of unsafe drinking water
(1)
A drinking water supplier commits an offence against this section if the supplier—
(a)
has a duty under—
(i)
section 21 to supply drinking water that is safe; or
(ii)
section 22 to supply drinking water that complies with the drinking water standards; and
(b)
without reasonable excuse, engages in conduct that exposes any individual to whom the supplier has a duty under paragraph (a) to a serious risk of death, injury, or illness; and
(c)
is reckless as to the serious risk to an individual of death, injury, or illness.
(2)
A supplier who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $600,000, or both:
(b)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body, to a fine not exceeding $3 million.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 47
172 Offence involving negligence in supply of unsafe drinking water
(1)
A drinking water supplier commits an offence against this section if—
(a)
the supplier has a duty under—
(i)
section 21 to supply drinking water that is safe; or
(ii)
section 22 to supply drinking water that complies with the drinking water standards; and
(b)
the supplier fails to comply with that duty; and
(c)
that failure exposes any individual to a serious risk of death, injury, or illness.
(2)
A supplier who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $300,000:
(b)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body, to a fine not exceeding $1.5 million.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 48
173 Offence involving contamination of raw water or drinking water
(1)
A person commits an offence against this section if the person does any act likely to contaminate any raw water or drinking water, knowing that the act is likely to contaminate that water, or being reckless as to the consequences of that act.
(2)
A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years, or to a fine not exceeding $600,000, or both.
Compare: 1956 No 65 s 69ZZO
Offences relating to failure to take immediate action to protect public health when drinking water unsafe
174 Offence involving recklessness in failure to take immediate action when drinking water unsafe
(1)
A drinking water supplier commits an offence against this section if the supplier—
(a)
has a duty under section 21(2)(a), 22(2)(a), or 35(2)(a) to take immediate action to ensure that public health is protected; and
(b)
without reasonable excuse, engages in conduct that exposes any individual to whom the supplier has a duty under paragraph (a) to a serious risk of death, injury, or illness; and
(c)
is reckless as to the serious risk to an individual of death, injury, or illness.
(2)
A supplier who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $600,000, or both:
(b)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body, to a fine not exceeding $3 million.
175 Offence involving negligence in failure to take immediate action when drinking water unsafe
(1)
A drinking water supplier commits an offence against this section if—
(a)
the supplier has a duty under section 21(2)(a), 22(2)(a), or 35(2)(a) to take immediate action to ensure that public health is protected; and
(b)
the supplier fails to comply with that duty; and
(c)
that failure exposes any individual to a serious risk of death, injury, or illness.
(2)
A supplier who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $300,000:
(b)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body, to a fine not exceeding $1.5 million.
Offence relating to duty to notify notifiable risk or hazard
176 Offence involving failure to notify Water Services Authority of notifiable risk or hazard
(1)
A drinking water supplier commits an offence against this section if the supplier—
(a)
has a duty under section 35(2)(b) to notify the Water Services Authority of a notifiable risk or hazard; and
(b)
fails to comply with that duty.
(2)
A supplier who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $50,000:
(b)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body, to a fine not exceeding $200,000.
Section 176 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 176(1)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Offence relating to duty to provide sufficient quantity of drinking water
177 Offence involving failure to provide sufficient quantity of drinking water
(1)
A drinking water supplier commits an offence against this section if the supplier—
(a)
has a duty under section 25 to provide a sufficient quantity of drinking water; and
(b)
fails to comply with that duty.
(2)
A supplier who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $50,000; and
(b)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body, to a fine not exceeding $200,000.
Offences relating to duty to register drinking water supply
178 Offence involving supply of drinking water from unregistered supply
(1)
A person commits an offence against this section if the person—
(a)
has a duty under section 23(2) to register a drinking water supply; and
(b)
supplies drinking water from a drinking water supply that is not registered under that section.
(2)
A person who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $50,000; and
(b)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body, to a fine not exceeding $200,000.
179 Offence involving provision of false or misleading information
(1)
A drinking water supplier commits an offence against this section if the supplier—
(a)
provides information in an application to register, or renew the registration of, a drinking water supply knowing that the information is false or misleading, or omits from the application any information that the person ought reasonably to have known and included in the application; or
(b)
provides information in a drinking water safety plan knowing that the information is false or misleading, or omits from the plan any information that the person ought reasonably to have known and included in the plan; or
(c)
makes any false or misleading statement or any material omission in any information, document, record, communication, or return for any purpose of this Act; or
(d)
destroys, cancels, conceals, alters, obliterates, or fails to provide any information, document, record, communication, or return that is required to be kept or communicated for any purpose of this Act; or
(e)
falsifies, removes, suppresses, or tampers with any samples, test procedures, test results, or evidence that is required for any purpose of this Act, including as part of the operation of a drinking water supply.
(2)
A supplier who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $50,000:
(b)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body, to a fine not exceeding $250,000.
180 Offence involving failure to notify changes in details on register
(1)
A drinking water supplier commits an offence against this section if the supplier—
(a)
has a duty under section 56(3) to notify the Water Services Authority of any change of any particulars that are recorded in the register in respect of the person’s drinking water supply; and
(b)
fails to comply with that duty.
(2)
A supplier who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $50,000:
(b)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body, to a fine not exceeding $250,000.
Section 180(1)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Offence relating to drinking water safety plans
181 Offence involving drinking water safety plan
(1)
A drinking water supplier commits an offence against this section if the supplier—
(a)
has a duty under—
(i)
section 30; or
(ii)
section 58, including the duty to comply with any condition to an exemption; and
(b)
fails to comply with that condition or duty.
(2)
A supplier who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $50,000; and
(b)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body, to a fine not exceeding $200,000.
Offences relating to exemptions, directions, and compliance orders
182 Offence involving failure to comply with condition or direction
(1)
A drinking water supplier commits an offence against this section if the supplier fails to comply with—
(a)
a condition that applies to an exemption under section 57; or
(b)
a direction issued by a compliance officer under section 104.
(2)
A supplier who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $25,000; and
(b)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body, to a fine not exceeding $100,000.
183 Offence involving failure to comply with compliance order or court order
(1)
A person commits an offence against this section if the person fails to comply with the terms of a compliance order issued under section 120 or an order of the court made under this Act.
(2)
A person who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $75,000:
(b)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body, to a fine not exceeding $300,000.
Offence involving failure to keep and maintain records
184 Offence involving failure to keep and maintain records
(1)
A drinking water supplier commits an offence against this section if the supplier fails to keep and maintain records in accordance with section 37 or the requirements of compliance rules.
(2)
A supplier who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $50,000:
(b)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body, to a fine not exceeding $200,000.
Offence involving failure to comply with emergency directions
185 Offence involving failure to comply with emergency directions or conditions
(1)
A person commits an offence against this section if the person fails to comply with—
(a)
a direction, prohibition, or requirement issued by the Water Services Authority under section 62; or
(b)
a condition of an exemption issued by the Water Services Authority under section 63; or
(c)
a direction issued by a compliance officer under section 105.
(2)
A person who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $50,000:
(b)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body, to a fine not exceeding $200,000.
Section 185(1)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 185(1)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Offence relating to authorisations
186 Offence involving breach of requirements relating to authorisations
(1)
A person commits an offence against this section if the person fails to comply with a requirement under section 68, 69, 70, or 71 or any regulations made under section 200 in relation to section 72.
(2)
A person who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $50,000:
(b)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body, to a fine not exceeding $100,000.
Offence relating to planned events or unplanned supply of drinking water
187 Offence relating to planned events or unplanned supply of drinking water
(1)
A person commits an offence against this section if the person—
(a)
fails to register a temporary drinking water supply arrangement under section 33(2)(b); or
(b)
fails to comply with the requirements of a temporary drinking water safety plan or any conditions imposed by the Water Services Authority under section 33(5); or
(c)
fails to immediately notify the Water Services Authority of a temporary drinking water supply arrangement under section 34(3)(b); or
(d)
fails to register a drinking water supply in accordance with section 34(4).
(2)
A person who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $50,000:
(b)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body, to a fine not exceeding $200,000.
Section 187(1)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 185(1)(c): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Offence relating to consumer complaints
Heading: amended, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
188 Offence involving failure to advise consumers about, provide, and report on complaint process
(1)
A drinking water supplier commits an offence against this section if the supplier fails,—
(a)
in accordance with regulations that apply to the supplier,—
(i)
to comply with the duty under section 38(1)(a) to provide consumers with prescribed information; or
(ii)
to comply with the duty under section 38(1)(b) to establish, maintain, and administer a consumer complaints process; or
(iii)
to comply with the duty under section 38(1)(c) to report annually to the Water Services Authority on its consumer complaints process; or
(b)
to comply with the duty under section 38(2) relating to consumer complaints.
(2)
A supplier who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $10,000:
(b)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body, to a fine not exceeding $200,000.
Section 188 heading: replaced, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 188(1)(a)(ii): inserted, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 188(1)(a)(iii): inserted, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 188(1)(a)(iii): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 188(1)(b): inserted, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Offences relating to duties associated with administration of Act
189 Offence involving hindering or obstructing Water Services Authority
(1)
A person commits an offence against this section if the person intentionally hinders or obstructs an employee or agent of the Water Services Authority who is performing a function or duty, or exercising a power, under this Act.
(2)
A person who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $10,000:
(b)
for an individual who is a drinking water supplier, to a fine not exceeding $75,000:
(c)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body that is a drinking water supplier, to a fine not exceeding $250,000.
Compare: 2014 No 32 s 235
Section 189 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 189(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
190 Offence involving threatening or assaulting employee or agent of Water Services Authority
(1)
A person commits an offence against this section if the person intentionally threatens or assaults an employee or agent of the Water Services Authority who is performing a function or duty, or exercising a power, under this Act.
(2)
A person who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $50,000:
(b)
for an individual who is a drinking water supplier, to a fine not exceeding $75,000:
(c)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body that is a drinking water supplier, to a fine not exceeding $250,000.
Compare: 2014 No 32 s 236
Section 190 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 190(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
191 Offence involving deception by pretending to be employee or agent of Water Services Authority, or authorised person
(1)
A person commits an offence if, with intent to deceive, the person pretends to be—
(a)
an employee or agent of the Water Services Authority; or
(b)
a person who has been authorised under regulations made under section 200 in relation to section 72.
(2)
A person who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $50,000:
(b)
for an individual who is a drinking water supplier, to a fine not exceeding $75,000:
(c)
for a body corporate or an unincorporated body that is a drinking water supplier, to a fine not exceeding $250,000.
Compare: 2014 No 32 s 237
Section 191 heading: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 191(1)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
192 Offence for failing to comply with duty of due diligence
(1)
A person commits an offence against this section if the person—
(a)
has a duty under section 29; and
(b)
fails to comply with that duty.
(2)
A person who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction,—
(a)
for an individual who is an employee or an agent of a drinking water supplier, to a fine not exceeding $50,000:
(b)
for an individual who is an officer of a drinking water supplier, to a fine not exceeding $100,000.
(3)
An officer, employee, or agent of a drinking water supplier may be convicted or found guilty of an offence against this section whether or not the drinking water supplier has been convicted or found guilty of an offence against a provision to which the duty under section 29 relates.
Subpart 12—Sentencing for offences
193 Application of subpart
This subpart applies if a court convicts a person (an offender) or finds an offender guilty of an offence under this Act or regulations made under this Act.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 150
194 Sentencing criteria
(1)
This section applies when a court is determining how to sentence or otherwise deal with an offender convicted of an offence against subpart 11.
(2)
The court must apply the Sentencing Act 2002 and must have particular regard to—
(a)
sections 7 to 10 of that Act; and
(b)
the risk of, and the potential for, illness, injury, or death that could have occurred; and
(c)
whether death, serious injury, or serious illness occurred or could reasonably have been expected to have occurred; and
(d)
the compliance record of the person (including, without limitation, any warning, direction, infringement notice, or compliance order issued to the person or enforceable undertaking agreed to by the person) to the extent that it shows whether any aggravating factor is present; and
(e)
the degree of departure from prevailing standards in the person’s sector or industry as an aggravating factor.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 151
195 Order for payment of chief executive’s costs in bringing prosecution
(1)
On the application of the chief executive, the court may order the offender to pay to the chief executive a sum that it thinks just and reasonable towards the costs of the prosecution (including the costs of investigating the offending and any associated costs).
(2)
If the court makes an order under subsection (1), it must not make an order under section 4 of the Costs in Criminal Cases Act 1967.
(3)
If the court makes an order under subsection (1) in respect of a Crown organisation, any costs and fees awarded must be paid from the funds of that organisation.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 152
196 Release on giving of court-ordered enforceable undertaking
(1)
The court may (with or without recording a conviction) adjourn a proceeding for up to 2 years and make an order for the release of the offender if the offender gives an undertaking with specified conditions (a court-ordered enforceable undertaking).
(2)
A court-ordered enforceable undertaking must specify the following conditions:
(a)
that the offender appears before the court if called on to do so during the period of the adjournment and, if the court so specifies, at the time to which the further hearing is adjourned:
(b)
that the offender does not commit, during the period of the adjournment, any offence against this Act:
(c)
that the offender observes any special conditions imposed by the court.
(3)
An offender who has given a court-ordered enforceable undertaking under this section may be called on to appear before the court by order of the court.
(4)
An order under subsection (3) must be served on the offender not less than 4 days before the time specified in it for the appearance.
(5)
If the court is satisfied at the time to which a further hearing of a proceeding is adjourned that the offender has observed the conditions of the court-ordered enforceable undertaking, it must discharge the offender without any further hearing of the proceeding.
(6)
The Water Services Authority must make available to the public, on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Water Services Authority, notice of a court-ordered enforceable undertaking made in accordance with subsection (1), unless the court orders otherwise.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 156
Section 196(6): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
197 Injunctions
If a court finds a person guilty of an offence against this Act, the court may issue an injunction requiring the offender to cease any particular conduct or action that constitutes a contravention of this Act or regulations.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 157
198 Supervision and training orders
(1)
The court may make an order requiring an offender to work under supervision for a period that the court specifies in the order.
(2)
The court may make an order requiring an offender to undertake, or arrange for 1 or more employees to undertake, a specified course of training.
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 158
199 Restriction or prohibition
(1)
The court may make—
(a)
a restriction order, which specifies the ways in which the person is restricted in operating a drinking water supply; or
(b)
a prohibition order, which prohibits the person from operating a drinking water supply or specified aspects of the supply.
(2)
The following provisions apply if the person wants a restriction order or prohibition order cancelled:
(a)
the person may apply to the court to cancel it:
(b)
the application must be served on the chief executive:
(c)
an employee or agent of the Water Services Authority may appear and be heard to help the court to determine whether to grant the application.
(3)
The court may—
(a)
cancel the order from the date stated in the order; or
(b)
change the order from the date stated in the order; or
(c)
change a prohibition order to a restriction order; or
(d)
refuse the application, in which case the court may specify the earliest date on which the person may make a further application for cancellation.
(4)
The court must take into account—
(a)
the nature of the offence of which the person was convicted; and
(b)
the steps taken (if any) to remedy the problem that resulted in the order; and
(c)
the person’s conduct since the order was made; and
(d)
the person’s character; and
(e)
any other circumstances of the case.
(5)
If the court changes the order or refuses the application, the person may apply for cancellation again—
(a)
once the date that the court specified under subsection (3)(d) has passed; or
(b)
once there has been a material change in the person’s circumstances.
Compare: 2014 No 32 s 273
Section 199(2)(c): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Part 4 Miscellaneous provisions
200 Regulations
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations for all or any of the following purposes:
(a)
prescribing the information that drinking water suppliers, or classes of drinking water supplier, must provide to consumers, including—
(i)
the legislative requirements that apply to a supplier’s drinking water supply; and
(ii)
whether drinking water that is supplied by a supplier meets those legislative requirements; and
(iii)
how a consumer may make a complaint to a drinking water supplier; and
(iii)
[Repealed](iv)
the form in which information must be provided to consumers, and its frequency:
(b)
prescribing requirements relating to consumer complaints that drinking water suppliers, or classes of drinking water supplier, must meet, including requirements for—
(i)
investigating consumer complaints; and
(ii)
the time frame for making decisions on consumer complaints; and
(iii)
notifying decisions on complaints, including any action that was taken to resolve the matters that gave rise to the complaint; and
(iv)
records that drinking water suppliers must keep about consumer complaints:
(c)
prescribing requirements for annual reporting about consumer complaints to the Water Services Authority by drinking water suppliers, or classes of drinking water supplier, including—
(i)
the number of complaints that have been received; and
(ii)
the outcome of complaints, including any action taken:
(ca)
prescribing, for the purposes of subpart 1AA of Part 3, the National Engineering Design Standards (NEDS) developed or updated by the Water Services Authority:
(cb)
prescribing matters relating to the following:
(i)
wastewater environmental performance standards:
(ii)
stormwater environmental performance standards:
(iii)
infrastructure design solutions:
(d)
prescribing matters relating to identity cards:
(e)
prescribing the time frame, and form and manner, in which information required to be provided to the Water Services Authority under this Act must be provided:
(f)
prescribing fees or charges for doing any act or providing any service for the purposes of this Act or regulations:
(g)
identifying the offences in or under any legislative requirement made under this Act that are infringement offences, including offences for the breach of or failure to comply with a specified provision, direction, condition, notice, or requirement:
(h)
prescribing infringement notices, infringement reminder notices, and infringement forms of any other kind:
(i)
prescribing the amounts, up to a maximum of $1,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a body corporate or an unincorporated body, of infringement fees that are payable for infringement offences, including different fees for a first offence, a second offence, and subsequent offences:
(j)
providing for any other matters contemplated by this Act, necessary for its administration, or necessary for giving it full effect.
(1A)
Regulations under subsection (1)(ca) may prescribe different standards and requirements to apply in different specified regions and districts.
(1B)
The Minister must not recommend making regulations under subsection (1)(ca) unless satisfied that, in developing the NEDS, the Water Services Authority consulted in accordance with section 97E.
(2)
Regulations made under subsection (1)(f) may—
(a)
specify the amount of the fees or charges, or a method of calculating or ascertaining the amount of the fees or charges; and
(b)
prescribe different fees and charges for different classes of person; and
(c)
prescribe the manner in which fees or charges must be calculated; and
(d)
prescribe the circumstances and way in which fees or charges can be refunded, waived, or reduced.
(3)
Regulations made under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 200(1)(a)(iii): inserted, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 200(1)(a)(iii): repealed, on 31 August 2023, by section 172 of the Water Services Economic Efficiency and Consumer Protection Act 2023 (2023 No 54).
Section 200(1)(b): inserted, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 200(1)(c): inserted, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 200(1)(c): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 200(1)(ca): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 168(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 200(1)(cb): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 168(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 200(1)(e): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 200(1)(g): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 168(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 200(1A): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 168(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 200(1B): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 168(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 200(2)(c): amended, on 27 November 2025, by section 163 of the Statutes Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 74).
201 Levy
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations prescribing a levy for the purpose of recovering any or all of the costs of the Water Services Authority that relate to the performance or exercise of its functions, powers, and duties under this Act or any other enactment that is payable by 1 or more of the following:
(a)
drinking water suppliers:
(b)
wastewater network operators:
(c)
stormwater network operators.
(1A)
A levy prescribed under subsection (1) in relation to any costs of the Water Services Authority that relate to the performance or exercise of its functions, powers, and duties under subpart 1AA of Part 3 (national engineering design standards for water services networks) is payable by a water service provider that operates the whole or any part of a network.
(2)
Before making a recommendation under subsection (1), the Minister must—
(a)
determine the costs of the Water Services Authority, including the costs of collecting the levy, to be covered by the levy; and
(b)
request, and have regard to, advice from the Water Services Authority on the proposed levy; and
(c)
consult the persons listed in subsection (1) who will be affected by the levy.
(2A)
[Repealed](2B)
[Repealed](3)
Regulations made under this section must—
(a)
specify the amount of the levy, or method of calculating or ascertaining the amount of the levy; and
(b)
provide for the payment and collection of the levy; and
(c)
specify the financial year or part financial year to which the levy applies.
(4)
Regulations made under this section may—
(a)
specify the criteria or other requirements for setting or resetting the levy; and
(b)
prescribe different levies for different classes of person; and
(ba)
provide for a penalty for the late payment of the levy; and
(c)
prescribe the circumstances and the way in which the levy, or any part of the levy, can be refunded or waived.
(5)
The Water Services Authority—
(a)
must ensure that each levy payment received under the regulations is separately accounted for; and
(b)
may, but need not, pay each such payment into a Crown Bank Account.
(5A)
In subsection (1A), network means a water services network within the meaning of section 97C.
(6)
Regulations made under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 215
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 201(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 201(1A): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 169(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 201(2)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 201(2)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 201(2A): repealed, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 201(2B): repealed, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 201(4)(ba): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 169(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 201(5): replaced, on 15 December 2022, by section 237(2) of the Water Services Entities Act 2022 (2022 No 77).
Section 201(5): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 201(5A): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 169(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
202 Recovery of fees and levies
The Water Services Authority may recover any fee or levy payable to the Water Services Authority in any court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due on behalf of the Crown.
Section 202: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
203 Delegations
(1)
The chief executive may delegate any of the chief executive’s functions or powers under this Act to any employee of the Water Services Authority.
(2)
A person to whom any functions or powers are delegated may perform those functions or exercise those powers in the same manner and with the same effect as if they had been conferred on that person directly by this Act and not by delegation (subject to any general or special directions given or conditions imposed by the chief executive).
(3)
A delegation under this section—
(a)
must be in writing signed by the chief executive; and
(b)
is revocable at will in writing signed by the chief executive.
(4)
A person purporting to act under a delegation is, in the absence of proof to the contrary, presumed to be acting in accordance with the terms of the delegation.
(5)
A delegation does not prevent the chief executive from performing any function or exercising any power or affect the chief executive’s responsibility for the actions of any person acting under the delegation.
(6)
If the chief executive ceases to hold office, the delegation continues to have effect as if it were made by the chief executive’s successor in office.
(7)
The chief executive must not delegate the power of delegation under this section.
Section 203(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
204 Information sharing with regulatory agencies
(1)
Subject to any enactment,—
(a)
the Water Services Authority may provide a regulatory agency with any information, or a copy of any document, that it—
(i)
holds in relation to the performance or exercise of its functions, duties, or powers; and
(ii)
considers may assist the regulatory agency in the performance or exercise of the regulatory agency’s functions, duties, or powers; and
(b)
a regulatory agency may provide the Water Services Authority with any information, or a copy of any document, that it—
(i)
holds in relation to the performance or exercise of its functions, duties, or powers under or in relation to any enactment; and
(ii)
considers may assist the Water Services Authority in the performance or exercise of its functions, duties, or powers.
(2)
If subsection (1)(a) or (b) applies, the Water Services Authority or the regulatory agency (as the case may be) may impose conditions that it thinks fit relating to the provision of the information or document, including conditions relating to—
(a)
the storage and use of, or access to, anything provided:
(b)
the copying, returning, or disposing of copies of any documents provided.
(3)
Nothing in subsection (2) limits the Privacy Act 2020.
(4)
This section applies despite anything to the contrary in any contract, deed, or document.
(5)
In this section,—
agency means—
(a)
a department or departmental agency (within the meaning of section 5 of the Public Service Act 2020):
(b)
a Crown entity (within the meaning of section 7 of the Crown Entities Act 2004)
regulatory agency means any of the following persons or agencies:
(a)
the New Zealand Police:
(b)
the New Zealand Transport Agency:
(c)
the Commerce Commission:
(d)
the Department of Internal Affairs, including any statutory officer who carries out work for that business or undertaking:
(e)
the Environmental Protection Authority:
(f)
Fire and Emergency New Zealand:
(g)
a medical officer of health:
(h)
the agency that, with the authority of the Prime Minister, is responsible for administering the Environment Act 1986, including any statutory officer who carries out work for that agency:
(i)
the Ministry of Health:
(j)
the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, including any statutory officer who carries out work for that business or undertaking:
(k)
the Ministry for Primary Industries:
(l)
a local authority:
(la)
a water service provider:
(m)
an agency prescribed by the Water Services Authority by notice.
(6)
A notice made under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Compare: 2015 No 70 s 197
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • publish it in the Gazette | ||||
| • publish it on an Internet site maintained by, or on behalf of, the Water Services Authority | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 204(1)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 204(1)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 204(1)(b)(ii): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 204(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 204(5) regulatory agency paragraph (h): replaced, on 1 July 2026, by section 18 of the Environment (Disestablishment of Ministry for the Environment) Amendment Act 2026 (2026 No 22).
Section 204(5) regulatory agency paragraph (la): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 170 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 204(5) regulatory agency paragraph (m): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
205 Publication of instruments
(1)
The Water Services Authority must ensure that the following instruments are published in accordance with subsection (2):
(a)
templates and models issued under section 52:
(b)
a drinking water compliance, monitoring, and enforcement strategy prepared under section 136:
(c)
an annual drinking water regulation report prepared under section 137:
(d)
environmental performance measures or targets for networks developed under section 145:
(e)
an annual report on networks under section 147.
(2)
The instruments must be—
(a)
publicly available free of charge on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Water Services Authority; and
(b)
available for purchase at a reasonable price at the offices of the Water Services Authority.
Section 205(1): replaced, on 31 August 2023, by section 249 of the Water Services Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 52).
Section 205(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 205(2)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 205(2)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 111(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Part 5 Amendments to Local Government Act 2002
[Repealed]Part 5: repealed, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
207 Amendments to Local Government Act 2002
[Repealed]Section 207: repealed, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
208 Subpart 1 of Part 7 replaced
[Repealed]Section 208: repealed, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
209 Section 130 amended (Obligation to maintain water services)
[Repealed]Section 209: repealed, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
210 Section 131 amended (Power to close down or transfer small water services)
[Repealed]Section 210: repealed, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
211 Section 146 amended (Specific bylaw-making powers of territorial authorities)
[Repealed]Section 211: repealed, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
212 Schedule 1AA amended
[Repealed]Section 212: repealed, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
213 Schedule 10 amended
[Repealed]Section 213: repealed, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Schedule 1 Transitional, savings, and related provisions
Part 1 Provisions relating to this Act as enacted
1 Interpretation
In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires, commencement date means the day on which this Part comes into force.
2 Drinking water standards
(1)
The Drinking-water Standards for New Zealand 2005 (Revised 2018), as in force under Part 2A of the Health Act 1956 immediately before the commencement date, continue in force and may be amended or revoked as if they were drinking water standards under this Act.
(2)
Taumata Arowai must review the Drinking-water Standards of New Zealand 2005 (Revised 2018) within 5 years after the commencement date to determine whether they are fit for purpose.
3 Drinking water safety plans
(1)
Every water safety plan approved by a drinking water assessor under the Health Act 1956 that is in effect immediately before the commencement date must be treated as a drinking water safety plan to which section 30(3) of this Act applies, until the date by which the applicable requirement in clause 4(3), 5(2)(b), or 6(2)(c) is required to be complied with.
(2)
To avoid doubt, subclause (1) applies irrespective of the expiry date of the water safety plan under the Health Act 1956.
4 Application of Act to drinking water suppliers registered under Health Act 1956
(1)
This clause applies to a drinking water supplier who, immediately before the commencement date,—
(a)
is registered under section 69J of the Health Act 1956; and
(b)
has 1 or more drinking water supplies recorded under that section (the recorded drinking water supplies).
(2)
The recorded drinking water supplies are registered in accordance with subpart 7 of Part 2 on the commencement date.
(3)
The drinking water supplier must provide Taumata Arowai with a drinking water safety plan for the recorded drinking water supplies that complies with section 30(1) within 1 year after the commencement date.
(4)
Except as provided in subclause (3) or in regulations made under clause 10, this Act applies to the drinking water supplier in respect of the recorded drinking water supplies from the commencement date.
5 Application of Act to water carriers not registered under Health Act 1956
(1)
This clause applies to a water carrier who, immediately before the commencement date, is not registered under section 69J of the Health Act 1956.
(2)
The water carrier—
(a)
must apply to register the supply under section 54 within 1 year after the commencement date; and
(b)
must provide Taumata Arowai with a drinking water safety plan that complies with section 30(1) within 1 year after the commencement date; and
(c)
must comply, on and from the commencement date, with—
(i)
sections 21(1) and 22(1); and
(ii)
any directions or compliance orders issued under section 104, 105, or 120.
(3)
Except as provided in subclause (2) and in regulations made under clause 10, this Act applies to a water carrier from the earlier of the following:
(a)
the date on which the water carrier complies with the requirement in subclause (2)(b):
(b)
the date by which the requirement in subclause (2)(b) is required to be complied with.
6 Application of Act to other drinking water suppliers not registered under Health Act 1956
(1)
This clause applies to a drinking water supplier (other than a water carrier) who, immediately before the commencement date,—
(a)
is not registered under section 69J of the Health Act 1956; or
(b)
is registered under section 69J of the Health Act 1956 and has 1 or more drinking water supplies that are not recorded under that section.
(2)
The drinking water supplier must, in respect of any drinking water supply not recorded under section 69J of the Health Act 1956,—
(a)
comply, on and from the commencement date, with—
(i)
section 21(1); and
(ii)
any directions or compliance orders issued under section 104, 105, or 120; and
(b)
apply to register the supply under section 54 within 7 years after the commencement date; and
(c)
unless section 30(1A) applies, provide the Water Services Authority with a drinking water safety plan that complies with section 30(1) within 9 years after the commencement date.
(3)
A drinking water supplier is, in respect of any drinking water supply not recorded under section 69J of the Health Act 1956,—
(a)
not liable for an offence committed against this Act during the period starting with the commencement date and ending on the date that is 9 years after the commencement date, except—
(ii)
as provided in paragraph (b); and
(b)
liable for an offence committed against section 178, 179, or 180 during the period starting with the date that is 7 years after the commencement date and ending on the date that is 9 years after the commencement date.
(4)
Except as provided in subclauses (2) and (3) and in regulations made under clause 10, this Act applies to a drinking water supplier in respect of any drinking water supply not recorded under section 69J of the Health Act 1956 from the earliest of the following:
(a)
the date on which the supplier complies with the requirement in subclause (2)(c):
(b)
the date by which the requirement in subclause (2)(c) is required to be complied with:
(c)
if section 30(1A) applies, the date that is 9 years after the commencement date.
Schedule 1 clause 6(2)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 171(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Schedule 1 clause 6(2)(c): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 171(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Schedule 1 clause 6(3)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 171(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Schedule 1 clause 6(3)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 171(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Schedule 1 clause 6(3)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 171(4) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Schedule 1 clause 6(4): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 171(5) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Schedule 1 clause 6(4)(c): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 171(6) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
7 Authorisation requirements
Despite section 68, every local authority and water organisation that operates a drinking water supply must be authorised, or have its drinking water supply operated by an authorised supplier, within 10 years after the commencement date.
Schedule 1 clause 7: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 171(7) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Schedule 1 clause 7: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 171(8) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
8 First drinking water compliance, monitoring, and enforcement strategy
The board of Taumata Arowai must be treated as complying with its obligation to prepare and publish its first drinking water compliance, monitoring, and enforcement strategy if it does so within 12 months after the commencement of that section.
9 Accreditation of laboratories
A laboratory recognised by the Director-General of Health under section 69ZY of the Health Act 1956 immediately before the commencement date is an accredited laboratory for the purposes of section 73 until the earlier of the following:
(a)
the date on which the laboratory is accredited under section 77:
(b)
the date that is 3 years after the commencement date.
10 Transitional regulation-making power
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations to apply a provision or provisions of this Act to a person or class of persons on a date that is sooner than that specified in this Part.
(2)
The Minister may make a recommendation under this clause only after consulting the persons Taumata Arowai considers are affected by the regulations.
(3)
Regulations made under this clause are revoked on the date that is 7 years after the commencement date, unless earlier revoked.
(4)
This clause is repealed on the date that is 7 years after the commencement date.
(5)
Regulations made under this clause are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this clause | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Part 2 Provisions relating to Legislation Act 2019
11 Application of Part
This Part applies until the main commencement date (as defined in clause 2 of Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019).
12 Definition of legislative requirement
In addition to the definition in section 5, legislative requirement includes a requirement imposed by—
(a)
an Order in Council made under this Act; or
(b)
an instrument issued by Taumata Arowai that is a disallowable instrument for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2012.
13 Declaration of notifiable risks or hazards
(1)
This clause applies to a declaration of notifiable risks or hazards under section 35.
(2)
A declaration must be published in the Gazette and on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of Taumata Arowai.
(3)
A declaration is a disallowable instrument, but not a legislative instrument, for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2012 and must be presented to the House of Representatives under section 41 of that Act.
14 Notices, compliance rules, acceptable solutions or verification methods, and wastewater environmental performance standards
(1)
This clause applies to—
(a)
a notice of aesthetic values made under section 48; and
(b)
compliance rules made under section 49; and
(c)
an acceptable solution or verification method issued under section 50; and
(d)
[Repealed](e)
a notice in respect of record-keeping requirements made under section 146.
(2)
An instrument to which this clause applies must be—
(a)
published and made available in accordance with section 205 as if that section applied to it; and
(b)
notified in the Gazette.
(3)
An instrument to which this clause applies is a disallowable instrument, but not a legislative instrument, for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2012 and must be presented to the House of Representatives under section 41 of that Act.
Schedule 1 clause 14(1)(d): repealed, on 27 August 2025, by section 171(9) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
15 Exemptions
(1)
This clause applies to—
(a)
an exemption granted under section 57 or 63; and
(b)
an exemption granted in respect of a class of drinking water supplier under section 58.
(2)
An exemption must be published in the Gazette and on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of Taumata Arowai.
(3)
An exemption is a disallowable instrument, but not a legislative instrument, for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2012 and must be presented to the House of Representatives under section 41 of that Act.
16 Direction by Taumata Arowai
(1)
This clause applies to a direction given under section 62(2)(i) or (j).
(2)
A direction must be published in the Gazette and on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of Taumata Arowai.
(3)
A direction is a disallowable instrument, but not a legislative instrument, for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2012 and must be presented to the House of Representatives under section 41 of that Act.
17 Notices relating to laboratories
(1)
This clause applies to a notice made under section 75 or 76.
(2)
A notice must be published in the Gazette and on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of Taumata Arowai.
(3)
A notice is a disallowable instrument, but not a legislative instrument, for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2012 and must be presented to the House of Representatives under section 41 of that Act.
18 Notice of prescribed agency
(1)
This clause applies to a notice made under section 204(5)(k).
(2)
A notice must be published in the Gazette and on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of Taumata Arowai.
(3)
A notice is a disallowable instrument, but not a legislative instrument, for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2012 and must be presented to the House of Representatives under section 41 of that Act.
Part 3 Provisions relating to Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
Schedule 1 Part 3: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 171(10)(a) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
19 Interpretation
In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires, commencement date means the day on which this Part comes into force.
Schedule 1 clause 19: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 171(10)(a) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
National Engineering Design Standards (NEDS)
Heading: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 171(10)(a) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
20 Infrastructure that is compliant before NEDS in force
Despite subpart 1AA of Part 3 and section 200(1)(ca), the National Engineering Design Standards contained in regulations made under that section do not apply to the design, construction, and operational performance of water services infrastructure and services if the work on design, construction, and operational performance is completed in accordance with all requirements of, and approvals under, this Act before those regulations come into force.
Schedule 1 clause 20: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 171(10)(a) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Consultation under section 138 or 139A
Heading: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 171(10)(a) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
21 Consultation undertaken before commencement date
(1)
Any consultation undertaken under section 138(1) or 139A(1) before the commencement date may be considered to have been undertaken for the purposes of making regulations under those sections after the commencement date.
(2)
To avoid doubt, subclause (1) applies despite—
(a)
the consultation being undertaken about proposed environmental performance standards under section 138(1) or 139A(1) as those sections appeared immediately before the commencement date; and
(b)
the changes made, on and from the commencement date, by the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 to—
(i)
the process for making an environmental performance standard under those sections; and
(ii)
the application of an environmental performance standard made under those sections.
Schedule 1 clause 21: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 171(10)(a) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Schedule 2 Amendments and revocation
Part 1Amendments to Acts
Building Act 2004 (2004 No 72)
In section 7, insert in their appropriate alphabetical order:
drinking water standards means the standards made under section 47 of the Water Services Act 2021
potable water means water that—
(a)
is safe to drink; and
(b)
complies with the drinking water standards
Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 (2002 No 33)
In section 4, definition of emergency services, after “Fire and Emergency New Zealand,”
, insert “Taumata Arowai,”
.
In section 4, insert in its appropriate alphabetical order:
Taumata Arowai means Taumata Arowai established under section 8 of the Taumata Arowai–the Water Services Regulator Act 2020
Gore District Council (Otama Rural Water Supply) Act 2019 (2019 No 1) (L)
In section 4, insert in its appropriate alphabetical order:
Taumata Arowai means Taumata Arowai established under section 8 of the Taumata Arowai–the Water Services Regulator Act 2020.
In section 8(3), replace “the Medical Officer of Health”
with “Taumata Arowai”
.
Health Act 1956 (1956 No 65)
In section 2(1), insert in their appropriate alphabetical order:
drinking water standards means the standards made under section 47 of the Water Services Act 2021
potable water means water that—
(a)
is safe to drink; and
(b)
complies with the drinking water standards
In section 23(f), delete “, drinking water,”
.
Repeal Part 2A.
Repeal section 129(6).
Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (1987 No 174)
Repeal section 44A(2)(ba).
In section 44A(2)(bb)(i) and (ii), replace “networked supplier”
with “drinking water supplier”
.
After section 44A(2)(bb)(iii), insert:
(iv)
any exemption that has been notified by Taumata Arowai to the territorial authority under section 57 of the Water Services Act 2021:
Ombudsmen Act 1975 (1975 No 9)
In Schedule 1, Part 2, delete “Drinking-water assessors appointed under section 69ZK of the Health Act 1956”
.
Resource Management Act 1991 (1991 No 69)
After section 104(2C), insert:
(2D)
When considering a resource consent application that relates to a wastewater network, as defined in section 5 of the Water Services Act 2021, a consent authority—
(a)
must not grant the consent contrary to a wastewater environmental performance standard made under section 138 of that Act; and
(b)
must include, as a condition of granting the consent, requirements that are no less restrictive than is necessary to give effect to the wastewater environmental performance standard.
After section 104F, insert:
104G Consideration of activities affecting drinking water supply source water
When considering an application for a resource consent, the consent authority must have regard to—
(a)
the actual or potential effect of the proposed activity on the source of a drinking water supply that is registered under section 55 of the Water Services Act 2021; and
(b)
any risks that the proposed activity may pose to the source of a drinking water supply that are identified in a source water risk management plan prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Water Services Act 2021.
Replace section 108AA(1)(b) with:
(b)
the condition is directly connected to 1 or more of the following:
(i)
an adverse effect of the activity on the environment:
(ii)
an applicable district or regional rule, or a national environmental standard:
(iii)
a wastewater environmental performance standard made under section 138 of the Water Services Act 2021; or
Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24)
In the Schedule, insert in its appropriate alphabetical order:
| Water Services Act 2021 | 108 | Compliance officer may inspect and copy documents and direct person to produce documents, and may take photographs and make recordings and electronic records | Subpart 4 | |||
| 109 | Compliance officer may require person to provide person’s name and residential address | Subpart 4 | ||||
| 110 | Compliance officer may direct drinking water supplier to answer questions | Subpart 4 | ||||
| 112 | Compliance officer may, without warrant, enter and search place and may exercise powers under sections 104 to 110 of that Act if officer believes, on reasonable grounds, that is required in relation to serious risk to public health | All (except subparts 2, 3, 6, and 8 and sections 118 and 119) |
Taumata Arowai–the Water Services Regulator Act 2020 (2020 No 52)
In section 4, replace the definition of domestic dwelling with:
domestic dwelling has the meaning given by section 10 of the Water Services Act 2021
In section 4, replace the definition of domestic self-supplier and examples with:
domestic self-supplier has the meaning given by section 10 of the Water Services Act 2021
In section 4, replace the definition of drinking water with:
drinking water has the meaning given by section 6 of the Water Services Act 2021
In section 4, after the definition of drinking water, insert:
drinking water network has the meaning given to drinking water supply by section 9 of the Water Services Act 2021
In section 4, replace the definition of drinking water supplier with:
drinking water supplier has the meaning given by section 8 of the Water Services Act 2021
In section 4, replace the definition of stormwater network with:
stormwater network means the infrastructure and processes that—
(a)
are used to collect, treat, drain, store, reuse, or discharge stormwater in an urban area; and
(b)
are operated by, for, or on behalf of one of the following:
(i)
a local authority, council-controlled organisation, or subsidiary of a council-controlled organisation:
(ii)
a department:
(iii)
the New Zealand Defence Force
In section 4, replace the definition of stormwater network operator with:
stormwater network operator means—
(a)
each of the following, to the extent that they operate a stormwater network or supervise its operation or aspects of its operation:
(i)
a local authority, council-controlled organisation, or subsidiary of a council-controlled organisation:
(ii)
a department listed in Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Public Service Act 2020:
(iii)
the New Zealand Defence Force; and
(b)
any person who operates a stormwater network, or any aspect of a stormwater network, for, or on behalf of, an organisation specified in paragraph (a)
In section 4, replace the definition of Te Mana o te Wai with:
Te Mana o te Wai has the meaning set out in the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management issued in 2020 under section 52 of the Resource Management Act 1991 and any statement issued under that section that amends or replaces the 2020 statement
In section 4, replace the definition of wastewater network with:
wastewater network means the infrastructure and processes that—
(a)
are used to collect, store, transmit through reticulation, treat, or discharge wastewater; and
(b)
are operated by, for, or on behalf of one of the following:
(i)
a local authority, council-controlled organisation, or subsidiary of a council-controlled organisation:
(ii)
a department:
(iii)
the New Zealand Defence Force
In section 4, replace the definition of wastewater network operator with:
wastewater network operator means—
(a)
each of the following, to the extent that they operate a wastewater network or supervise its operation or aspects of its operation:
(i)
a local authority, council-controlled organisation, or subsidiary of a council-controlled organisation:
(ii)
a department listed in Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Public Service Act 2020:
(iii)
the New Zealand Defence Force; and
(b)
any person who operates a wastewater network, or any aspect of a wastewater network, for, or on behalf of, an organisation specified in paragraph (a); and
(c)
an organisation or individual involved in the operation of a wastewater network if the organisation or individual is authorised or included on a register in accordance with regulations made under section 200 of the Water Services Act 2021.
In section 10(e) and (f), replace “wastewater and stormwater networks”
with “drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater networks”
.
In section 11(a)(ii), (b), (f), and (h), replace “wastewater and stormwater networks”
with “drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater networks”
.
Repeal section 11(e).
In section 11(i), replace “good”
with “best”
.
In section 11, insert as subsection (2):
(2)
The chief executive’s statutorily independent functions are to—
(a)
monitor and enforce compliance with relevant drinking water legislation and standards, and other regulatory requirements for which Taumata Arowai has responsibility; and
(b)
grant exemptions under the Water Services Act 2021; and
(c)
if a drinking water supplier is not properly performing the supplier’s functions or duties under an enactment that relates to drinking water, appoint, or require the drinking water supplier to appoint, an alternative operator of the supplier’s drinking water supply.
Urban Development Act 2020 (2020 No 42)
Replace section 161(3)(d)(iii) with:
(iii)
any drinking water standards made under section 47 of the Water Services Act 2021.
Part 2Amendments to instruments
Building Regulations 1992 (SR 1992/150)
In Schedule 1, clause A2, insert in their appropriate alphabetical order:
drinking water standards means the standards made under section 47 of the Water Services Act 2021
potable water means water that—
(a)
is safe to drink; and
(b)
complies with the drinking water standards
Camping-Grounds Regulations 1985 (SR 1985/261)
In clause 2, insert in their appropriate alphabetical order:
drinking water standards means the standards made under section 47 of the Water Services Act 2021
potable water means water that—
(a)
is safe to drink; and
(b)
complies with the drinking water standards
In the Schedule, Part 2, clause 1, delete “wholesome and”
.
Corrections Regulations 2005 (SR 2005/53)
In clause 3, insert in their appropriate alphabetical order:
drinking water standards means the standards made under section 47 of the Water Services Act 2021
potable water means water that—
(a)
is safe to drink; and
(b)
complies with the drinking water standards
Education (Hostels) Regulations 2005 (SR 2005/332)
In clause 4, insert in their appropriate alphabetical order:
drinking water standards means the standards made under section 47 of the Water Services Act 2021
potable water means water that—
(a)
is safe to drink; and
(b)
complies with the drinking water standards
Food Regulations 2015 (LI 2015/310)
In regulation 156(1)(b), replace “drinking-water supplier”
with “drinking water supplier”
.
In regulation 156(2)(b), replace “drinking-water standard”
with “drinking water standard”
.
Replace regulation 156(3) with:
(3)
In this regulation,—
drinking water standards means the standards made under section 47 of the Water Services Act 2021
drinking water supplier has the meaning given by section 8 of the Water Services Act 2021
potable water means water that—
(a)
is safe to drink; and
(b)
complies with the drinking water standards.
Housing Improvement Regulations 1947 (SR 1947/200)
In clause 2, insert in their appropriate alphabetical order:
drinking water standards means the standards made under section 47 of the Water Services Act 2021
potable water means water that—
(a)
is safe to drink; and
(b)
complies with the drinking water standards
Medicines Regulations 1984 (SR 1984/143)
In regulation 58B(1), replace “drinking-water”
with “drinking water”
.
In regulation 58B(4), replace the definition of drinking water and drinking-water supply with:
drinking water has the same meaning as in section 6 of the Water Services Act 2021
drinking water supply has the same meaning as in section 9 of the Water Services Act 2021
Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Sources of Human Drinking Water) Regulations 2007 (SR 2007/396)
In regulation 3(1), replace the definition of Drinking-water Standard with:
Drinking-water Standard means—
(a)
the Drinking-water Standards for New Zealand 2005 continued by the Water Services Act 2021, as amended under that Act; and
(b)
if the Drinking-water Standards for New Zealand 2005 are revoked under the Water Services Act 2021, any drinking water standards made under that Act
In regulation 3(1), replace the definition of registered drinking-water supply with:
registered drinking-water supply means a drinking water supply that is listed in the register of drinking water supplies kept and maintained by Taumata Arowai under section 55 of the Water Services Act 2021
Part 3Revocation of instrument
Health (Deferral of General Application of Sections 69S to 69ZC) Order 2009 (SR 2009/176)
Notes
1 General
This is a consolidation of the Water Services Act 2021 that incorporates the amendments made to the legislation so that it shows the law as at its stated date.
2 Legal status
A consolidation is taken to correctly state, as at its stated date, the law enacted or made by the legislation consolidated and by the amendments. This presumption applies unless the contrary is shown.
Section 78 of the Legislation Act 2019 provides that this consolidation, published as an electronic version, is an official version. A printed version of legislation that is produced directly from this official electronic version is also an official version.
3 Editorial and format changes
The Parliamentary Counsel Office makes editorial and format changes to consolidations using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019. See also PCO editorial conventions for consolidations.
4 Amendments incorporated in this consolidation
Environment (Disestablishment of Ministry for the Environment) Amendment Act 2026 (2026 No 22): section 18
Statutes Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 74): Part 40
Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43): section 111(2), Part 12
Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2): section 12(1)
Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68): section 6
Water Services Economic Efficiency and Consumer Protection Act 2023 (2023 No 54): sections 164–172
Water Services Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 52): Part 2 subpart 36
Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46): section 805(1)
Water Services Entities Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 44): Part 2 subpart 8
Coroners Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 8): section 36
Water Services Entities Act 2022 (2022 No 77): sections 236, 237
Water Services Act Commencement Order 2021 (SL 2021/354)
Versions
Water Services Act 2021
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