New wastewater standards to cut costs, protect environment and public health

The Government has announced New Zealand’s first-ever national wastewater environmental performance standards developed by the Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai.

The standards mark a significant step toward improved environmental and public health protection, better public transparency and more efficient consenting, says Dr Sara McFall, Authority Head of Systems, Strategy and Performance.

The standards cover discharges to water and land, rules for the reuse of biosolids and the monitoring and reporting of overflows and bypasses. They apply to publicly owned and operated wastewater networks and will be implemented through future resource consents as they come up for renewal.

The standards were shaped by strong sector engagement. Consultation earlier this year attracted more than 150 submissions from councils, industry, iwi and hapū and the public. An engagement report outlines the extensive consultation undertaken.