Hon Pete Hodgson Minister of Health

9, October 2007 Media Statement

New Drinking Water Legislation

Every New Zealander has the right to clean, safe drinking water, Health Minister Pete Hodgson said today.

A bill to protect and promote this right has been passed in Parliament today.

The Health (Drinking Water) Amendment Bill introduces a risk management approach to drinking-water supplies with the maximum acceptable level of contaminants prescribed by drinking water standards.

Until now drinking-water quality has been managed principally by testing compliance with drinking water standards.

This new approach emphasises the identification and management of risks throughout the water supply system.

"This Bill is essential to all our health, our economy and our reputation has a clean green country."

"At the present time there are over 500,000 Kiwis receiving water from supplies that do not comply with the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards," said Pete Hodgson.

"The new legislation, together with funding of over $150 million to assist drinking water suppliers and local government, seeks to ensure every New Zealander can access clean drinking water."

The main duty in the legislation is a requirement for drinking water suppliers to take all practicable steps to comply with the drinking water standards.

"Many New Zealanders may be surprised to learn that prior to this Bill drinking water standards were completely voluntary," Pete Hodgson said.

The legislation brings New Zealand into line with other developed countries that have minimum safety standards in law.

"I encourage all suppliers to make use of the government's free technical assistance programme to ensure that they make the best use of their existing resources and avoid expensive and unnecessary upgrades," Pete Hodgson said.

ENDS

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