Media Release
Postponement acknowledges cost burden of legislation
For immediate release on 24 June 2009

“The decision by the Minister of Health to defer some of the requirements of the new drinking water standards is recognition of the cost burden of the legislation on councils,” Lawrence Yule, President of Local Government New Zealand said today.

“We all agree that safe drinking water is a priority for communities. We also all agree that councils regularly monitor their water suppliers, do essential maintenance and take any remedial action that may be required.

“However, these standards, imposed by the previous government in the Health (Drinking Water) Bill, went well beyond these requirements. The legislation imposed an additional and significant time and cost burden on councils, without a thorough cost/benefit analysis.

“We welcome this decision by the Government. It is particularly appropriate in this constrained economic environment when we are under pressure to ensure money is spent wisely.

“During the three year postponement period the Government will be reviewing the costs and benefits of the legislation and making any changes that are necessary to make it more workable. We look forward to working with the Government on this,” said Mr Yule.

The Minister of Health has deferred for three years the requirements for each class of water suppliers to comply with sections 69C to 69ZC of the Health Act 1956 (relating to drinking water). These sections will now come into force on staggered dates beginning on 1 July 2012.

ENDS

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