If you are using rainwater for drinking in New Zealand, it is worth understanding the regulatory framework that applies to water supplies. Not all water supplies are regulated in the same way, and the rules that apply to a large registered water supply do not necessarily apply to a small private domestic supply.
This guide explains where private domestic rainwater supplies sit relative to the broader water supply regulatory framework, and what role Taumata Arowai (the Water Services Regulator) plays.
The water supply regulatory framework
In New Zealand, water supplies are regulated under the Water Services Act 2021, which came into effect in 2023. The Act establishes a regulatory framework for water services, including drinking water supplies.
The key points of the framework are:
- Taumata Arowai is the Water Services Regulator. It is responsible for setting standards and guidelines for water services, including drinking water quality.
- Local councils are responsible for providing water services in their areas, including drinking water supplies.
- Registered water supplies are water supplies that are registered with the relevant authority and are subject to specific regulatory requirements, including water quality testing and reporting.
- Private domestic water supplies are water supplies that are used for a single household or a small number of households, and are not registered as a water supply. They are subject to different rules from registered water supplies.
The exact boundaries between these categories can be complex, and the rules that apply to a particular supply depend on its size, use, and location.
Where private domestic rainwater supplies sit
A private domestic rainwater supply is a water supply that is used for a single household or a small number of households, and is not registered as a water supply. It is typically supplied from a rainwater tank that is fed by the roof of the household’s dwelling.
Private domestic rainwater supplies are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as registered water supplies. This means that:
- They are not required to be registered with the relevant authority.
- They are not required to undergo regular water quality testing as part of a regulatory program.
- They are not subject to the same reporting requirements as registered water supplies.
However, this does not mean that there are no rules at all. Private domestic rainwater supplies are still subject to general health and safety requirements, and the water should be safe to drink. If you are using rainwater for drinking, you are responsible for making sure it is safe.
VERIFY: the specific regulatory requirements that apply to private domestic rainwater supplies in New Zealand, and whether any standard or health authority guidance specifies a testing or maintenance protocol — check Taumata Arowai’s guidance on private water supplies, or a health authority’s guidance on rainwater quality, before stating a specific rule or requirement.
Taumata Arowai’s role
Taumata Arowai is the Water Services Regulator for New Zealand. Its role includes:
- Setting standards and guidelines for water services, including drinking water quality.
- Monitoring and reporting on the performance of water services providers, including local councils.
- Providing guidance to water services providers and consumers on water quality and safety.
- Enforcing compliance with the Water Services Act 2021 and related regulations.
Taumata Arowai does not directly regulate private domestic water supplies, but it does provide guidance on water quality and safety that can be useful for homeowners who are using rainwater for drinking.
VERIFY: the specific guidance that Taumata Arowai provides on private domestic water supplies, and whether it includes any recommendations for testing or maintenance — check Taumata Arowai’s website or publications for guidance on private water supplies before stating a specific recommendation.
What this means for you
If you are using rainwater for drinking in New Zealand, here are the key points to keep in mind:
- Your rainwater supply is not regulated in the same way as a registered water supply. This means that you are responsible for making sure the water is safe to drink.
- You should have your water tested regularly. Even though your supply is not subject to a regulatory testing program, it is a good idea to have your water tested to make sure it is safe. A water testing lab can check for common contaminants, including bacteria, metals, and chemical compounds.
- You should maintain your rainwater system. A well-maintained system is less likely to produce contaminated water. This includes keeping the roof clean, maintaining the first-flush diverter, and keeping the tank sealed and clean.
- You should be aware of the risks. Rainwater can be contaminated by a variety of sources, including the roof, the tank, and the environment. Understanding the risks can help you take steps to reduce them.
If you are unsure about any of these points, ask a water specialist or a health authority for advice. They can help you understand the rules that apply to your supply and the steps you should take to make sure your water is safe.
When your supply may be regulated
In some cases, a private domestic rainwater supply may be subject to regulatory requirements, even though it is not a registered water supply. This can happen if:
- The supply is used by more than one household. If your rainwater supply is shared by multiple households, it may be considered a water supply and subject to regulatory requirements.
- The supply is used for a commercial purpose. If you are using rainwater for a commercial purpose, such as a business or a public facility, it may be subject to regulatory requirements.
- Your council requires it. Some councils may require private domestic water supplies to meet certain standards, even if they are not regulated under the Water Services Act.
If you are unsure whether your supply is regulated, ask your local council or Taumata Arowai for guidance. They can tell you whether your supply is subject to regulatory requirements and what those requirements are.
Summary
- Private domestic rainwater supplies are not regulated in the same way as registered water supplies.
- Taumata Arowai is the Water Services Regulator and provides guidance on water quality and safety, but does not directly regulate private domestic water supplies.
- If you are using rainwater for drinking, you are responsible for making sure it is safe.
- You should have your water tested regularly and maintain your rainwater system.
- In some cases, a private domestic rainwater supply may be subject to regulatory requirements, so it is worth checking with your council or Taumata Arowai if you are unsure.