HRV fined $440k over false water filter claims

HRV Clean Water, owned by Vector, has been fined $440,000 after pleading guilty to making unsubstantiated claims about the benefits of its water filters and also for making misleading claims about the quality of New Zealand's home water supply.

The fine was issued by Judge John Macdonald in the Auckland District Court on 19 October for claims made in promotional material between 2 July 2014 and 12 October 2017.

The unsubstantiated claims related to the ability of a magnetic 'ioniser' in its water filter systems to soften water, which would in turn help to relieve drinkers of skin conditions, such as eczema and dermatitis.

The claims made included statements such as "reduces skin irritations, dermatitis and eczema" and "removes existing lime scale and extends the life of your appliances."