Media Release
Publication of Annual Report on Drinking-water quality
27 June 2019
The Ministry of Health has published its annual report on drinking-water
quality and compliance, highlighting the significance of Government reforms in
this important area of human health.
The release of the Annual Report on Drinking-water Quality 2017-18 includes
information on individual supplies, providing a better overall picture of water
quality and associated risks.
It reinforces
key recommendations from the Inquiry which followed the 2016 Havelock North
gastro outbreak in which more than 5000 people fell sick. The inquiry found
widespread systemic failure of drinking-water suppliers.
With safe drinking-water a Government priority, the Ministry of Health, the
Ministry for the Environment and the Department of Internal Affairs have
continued to push through improvements, including implementation of the
Inquiry’s 51 recommendations.
Today’s
release contains information on drinking-water quality for all registered,
networked supplies serving populations of more than 100 people from 1 July 2017
to 30 June 2018, covering 3,839,000 people.
Following a recommendation from the Inquiry, the format has changed to improve
clarity and accessibility, with non-compliance highlighted.
Summary highlights:
Areas for action:
“Overall, conclusions from the report are that most New Zealanders receive safe
drinking-water,” says the Ministry’s Director of Public Health Dr Caroline
McElnay. “However some people, usually those in rural areas or smaller
supplies, can’t always access water of the same standard. This needs to change.
“The Ministry has written directly to those suppliers required to have a water
safety plan and who’re still failing to comply with the Act.
“We’re committed to the Government’s programme of reform. Work is well underway
to continue to drive the improvements we need for drinking-water supply, both
in the short and long term.”
The full report is available on the Ministry’s website: https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/annual-report-drinking-water-quality-2017-2018
Other useful links:https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/environmental-health/drinking-waterhttps://www.dia.govt.nz/Three-Waters-Review
People who have concerns about their water supply should contact their local
water supplier or territorial local authority (TLA). There are further details
here: https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/register-drinking-water-suppliers-new-zealand-2018-editionhttp://www.drinkingwater.esr.cri.nz/general/nzprocesses.asp