NPDC Ahead of the Game with New Drinking Water Standards

Stringent new standards for drinking water in New Zealand will not cause any problems for New Plymouth District.


Yesterday (Tuesday) the Health (Drinking Water) Amendment Bill was passed into law, which brings New Zealand’s drinking water standards into line with other OECD countries.

While some councils will face significant costs to bring their water reticulation up to standard, General Manager Community Assets Anthony Wilson says New Plymouth District is already ahead of the game.

“Our ratepayers aren’t facing any extra costs from these new standards because we have already made sure our infrastructure is up to scratch – to meet both the new standards and increasing future demand,” says Mr Wilson.

“We have put a lot of work into making sure we’re ready to operate under this new law, and everything has been going to plan.”

Manaaki Wai, a project to improve both water capacity and quality at the main New Plymouth Water Treatment Plant, is almost completed, with the improvements having been brought on line in stages throughout the year.

The physical works at the treatment plant will be finished by the end of this year.

When completed, Manaaki Wai will have increased the plant’s capacity by about 60 per cent, which will accommodate growing demand over the coming years.

Mr Wilson says the water quality improvements will not only meet the new drainking water standards, but will also address longstanding taste and odour issues among residents.