More New Zealanders benefiting from stronger drinking water protections

More New Zealanders have access to safer drinking water, with hundreds of thousands more people getting water from supplies that are better protected from contamination.

However, the Water Service Authority – Taumata Arowai says important gaps persist in many communities around the country.

The findings are set out in the Authority's Drinking Water Regulation Report 2025. The report provides a national overview of drinking water safety and supplier performance.

Authority Head of Operations, Steve Taylor said the report shows significant gains across much of the drinking water sector.

“Around 84% of New Zealanders receive drinking water from registered suppliers. We’re seeing real improvements in how these suppliers treat, monitor and report on their supplies.

“Suppliers are also providing stronger evidence that they are meeting their legal obligations.

"This is good progress towards our vision that everyone in New Zealand has safe drinking water every day."