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Latest Updates
Water New Zealand’s concerns over drinking water standards dismissed by Ministry of Health
You may recall that in late January we outlined concerns with the DWNSZ 2005 (R2018) that our Principal Water Quality Advisor, Jim Graham had raised in a letter to the Ministry of Health.
They included concerns about the referee methods for E. coli and total coliforms being different, the lack of consultation on reducing the default protozoa treatment level from 4-log to 3-log and that the changes were being made part way through a compliance period. The concern with reducing the protozoa treatment level related to section 69P(2) of the Health Act which requires the Ministry to consult with the industry if the changes are other than minor or urgent. We considered this change to be neither minor nor urgent. There has been considerable exchange of letters and emails on the matters since January with the outcome being that the Ministry of Health has not accepted any of the concerns we have raised. Specifically regarding the reduction of the protozoa default log treatment level, the Ministry has indicated that they consider it to be minor because it effectively is a ‘clarification’ of the standards and there is no change to the protozoa maximum acceptable value.
Though we do not agree with the Ministry responses to our concerns about the DWSNZ 2005 (R2018) and do not consider that the process the Ministry has followed for making changes to the standards was correct, we do not intend taking these matters any further.
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Water New Zealand 2017-18 National Performance Review
The 2017/18 National Performance Review is now available online.
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Asset Management Summit
Congratulations to Andrew Stevenson from Wellington Water who received the complimentary registration to next week's Asset Management Summit in Wellington.
In the news this week – water bottling, ecoli and chlorination
The demonstration of more than 2000 people in Christchurch at the weekend against a water bottling company has sparked a significant discussion in the media about the issues around selling water overseas. Listen to Water New Zealand CEO, John Pfahlert discuss water bottling with Newstalk ZB’s, Heather du Plessey Allen.
Also in the news this week – Water New Zealand’s Principal Advisor Water Quality, Jim Graham spoke to RNZ’s Karyn Hay about the discovery of e-coli in Kaikoura’s water supply.
Jim also appeared on the Herald’s new online news show Viewpoint where he talked about chlorination in water. Go here to see the programme.
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Water New Zealand Media Releases
Field Testing of Backflow Prevention Devices and Verification of Air Gaps
The New Zealand Backflow Testing Standard 2019 - Field Testing of Backflow Prevention Devices and Verification of Air Gaps is now available online.
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Industry News
Smart Water Infrastructure Group
The Smart Water Infrastructure Group NZ brings together water asset managers, operators, vendors, consultants and academics to promote the use of smart meters, IoT Sensors, data analytics and digital innovation to improve the New Zealand water sector. Join the Smart Water Infrastructure Group (SWIG) LinkedIn page to keep up to date with this group.
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Auckland Water Strategy Discussion Document 2019
Auckland Council has release it's Our Water Future discussion document.
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How the humble water bottle became a pricey luxury fashion item
Can you believe a wait list of more than 4000 for high end fashion water bottles?
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Upcoming Events
Wellington Regional Meeting - David Sedlak author of Water 4.0 The Past, Present and Future of the World's Most Vital Resource
17 April, Wellington
Water New Zealand invites members and non-members to join them in welcoming David and colleagues at a Wellington Regional Meeting.
When: Wednesday, 17 April, 3pm - 5.30pm Where: Wharewaka Function Centre, Wellington Waterfront, Wellington Cost: Members $40 + GST, non-members $60 + GST.
Register online here or by contacting amy.samuelu@waternz.org.nz
Find out more about the event and the topics David will be presenting on here.
David and colleagues will be presenting in Auckland on Monday, 15 April from 9.30am - 10.30am at City Campus of the University of Auckland, Fale Pacifika as part of the 2019 CEE Postgraduate Research Symposium. Find out more here.
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Stormwater Group and CIWEM Wellington Regional Meeting
19 March
Water New Zealand’s Stormwater Group and CIWEM’s New Zealand Steering Group welcomes all members and non-members of both organisations to attend a joint Regional Meeting in Wellington.
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Pure Oxygen, Aeration and Geochemistry: Supressing Harmful Aglae Blooms and Optimising Water Quality in USA Reservoirs
27 March, Auckland
On Wednesday 27 March 2019, Jacobs, together with Water New Zealand, will host David Austin, lead technologist for Natural Treatment Systems at Jacobs.
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Industrial Waters Conference 2019
10 - 12 April, Dunedin
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Water Industry Operations Group Conference 2019
8 -10 May, Christchurch
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WEF-EESS Conference on Advancement in Water and Wastewater Treatment Reuse
29 July - 01 August, Singapore
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Apprentice Water Treatment Technician
Palmerston North City Council
As an apprentice, you’ll learn while you earn, with a personalised training plan and support from an Industry Advisor.
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Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager
Whanganui District Council
Satisfying career development is offered by this senior engineering opportunity in the Whanganui District.
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Water and Wastewater Treatment Operator
Manawatu District Council
The Manawatu District Council is seeking a full time Water and Waste Treatment operator to operate and maintain Council's Water & Wastewater Treatment facilities for both the Manawatu and Rangitikei districts.
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Contract Manager – Thames/Coromandel
Veolia
You will be responsible for strategic planning and ensuring delivery on all aspects of the Thames/Coromandel Contract and ensuring positive working relationships with clients and stakeholders and collaboration towards common outcomes.
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Contract Manager - Whanganui
Veolia
As a Contract Manager you will be responsible for the direct management of the contract to ensure the effective provision of water and wastewater services and the achievement of contractual and legislative obligations.
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Operations Manager and Asset Engineer
Tatou Vai, Raratonga
These opportunities would suit up and coming engineers in the water or construction sectors, who are looking for a new challenge to further their career, and something ‘a bit different’ from the norm.
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Water and Wastewater Operator - Water Unit
Waimakariri
The Water Unit manages the reticulation network, water, wastewater & stormwater treatment plants and works closely with Council Asset Managers to delivery the 3 Waters renewal programmes and capital projects for the Waimakariri District Council.
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