Drinking water
Taumata Arowai took over as the drinking water regulator on 15 November 2021 when the Water Services Act 2021 came into effect.
Pātiki and Waharua Kōpito patterns
Safe drinking-water is necessary for good health. The Ministry of Health engages with public health professionals and authorities to formulate policy for achieving safe drinking-water supplies and effective sanitation in New Zealand.
Taumata Arowai: the water regulator
All New Zealanders deserve safe, reliable, and affordable water services that support good health and sustainable environmental outcomes.
Taumata Arowai is an independent water services regulator for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Taumata Arowai became fully operational as the drinking-water regulator when the Water Services Act 2021 came into effect on 15 November 2021. Part 2A (Drinking Water) of the Health Act 1956 was repealed from this date.
Following public consultation Taumata Arowai have published new Drinking Water Standards which came into effect on 14 November 2022.
The Ministry of Health will remain as the organisation in charge of drinking-water policy, and will work closely with Taumata Arowai.
The Taumata Arowai Drinking Water Regulation Report for 2023 is available here.
More information about Taumata Arowai and their regulatory role can be found on the Taumata Arowai website.
More information
Related websites
Drinking water publications
Publications relating to drinking water initiatives in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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Drinking Water Regulation Report 2023 (goes to another website)
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Drinking Water Standards (goes to another website)
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Review of health response into Waikouaiti water supply lead contamination (goes to another website)
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The Economic Costs of the Havelock North August 2016 Waterborne Disease Outbreak (goes to another website)
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Review of the Benefits and Costs of Water Fluoridation in New Zealand (goes to another website)
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Code of Practice for Fluoridation of Drinking-water Supplies in New Zealand (goes to another website)