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Safe drinking water is necessary for good health. The Ministry of Health engages with public health professionals and authorities to formulate policy for achieving safe drinking water supplies and effective sanitation in New Zealand.

Taumata Arowai: the water regulator

All New Zealanders deserve safe, reliable, and affordable water services that support good health and sustainable environmental outcomes.

Taumata Arowai is an independent water services regulator for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Taumata Arowai became fully operational as the drinking water regulator when the Water Services Act 2021 came into effect on 15 November 2021. Part 2A (Drinking Water) of the Health Act 1956 was repealed from this date. 

Following public consultation Taumata Arowai have published new drinking water standards which came into effect on 14 November 2022.

Drinking Water Standards — Taumata Arowai (external link)

The Ministry of Health will remain as the organisation in charge of drinking water policy and will work closely with Taumata Arowai.

Water services insights and performance — Taumata Arowai (external link)

More information

Related websites

Related websites

Drinking water publications

Publications relating to drinking water initiatives in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Protecting your health before and after a natural disaster

Check through the following information on how to be ready and respond in a natural disaster. 

Protecting your health before and after a natural disaster — Health Information and Services (external link)