How does the National Environmental Standard address catchment risks? Overview of the NES for Sources of Human Drinking Water.

The Drinking Water NES provides the first stage of a multiple barrier approach to drinking water management in New Zealand by setting requirements for protecting sources of human drinking water from becoming contaminated. The standard applies to source water before it is treated and only sources used to supply human drinking water.

Specifically, the NES requires local authorities to ensure that effects of activities on drinking water sources are considered in decisions on resource consents and regional plans.

The NES links with the Ministry of Health’s Drinking Water Standards which cover the supply and delivery of drinking water.

The NES came into effect in 2008 and it is currently being reviewed by the Ministry for the Environment.