Hon Tony Ryall
Minister of Health
Hon Rodney Hide
Minister of Local Government
24 June 2009
Media Statement
Govt gives councils more time for water supply compliance
In response to local body concerns, Health Minister Tony Ryall and Local Government Minister Rodney Hide have announced
that the Government has delayed requirements for communities to meet new drinking water legislation by three years.
Mr Ryall says "The government will also be reviewing the cost, benefits and administrative burden of the legislation. We
know local communities have been wanting such a review for some time."
Minister of Local Government, Rodney Hide says, "Local government is concerned about the impact of compliance on
peoples' rates and water charges at a time of considerable financial pressure. Councils told us the cost of compliance
would significantly exceed the previous government's estimates."
"We have listened to those concerns, and this deferment will provide additional time for councils to consult with their
communities on costs and proposals as part of their Long Term Council Community Plans."
Tony Ryall says three years is still a tight enough timeframe that water suppliers will need to continue planning for
improvements.
Compliance with sections of the Health (Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2007 is staggered depending on the size of the
community. The first group, for communities bigger than 10,000 people, was due to have plans in place by 1 July this
year, but now has until 1 July 2012. Smaller communities have up until 2016 to comply.
Wherever there is a significant risk to health such as contamination, the existing legal requirement remains for
suppliers to take remedial action.
ENDS