Three Waters - FAQs
How did the three waters reform start?
In 2016, Havelock North’s drinking water was affected by a campylobacter contamination. 5,500 people fell ill, 45 were hospitalised and four people died.
An inquiry was two-fold. 1. Identify the cause of the outbreak. 2. Look at the wider regulatory context and ways to reduce the likelihood of it happening again.
In mid-2017, the second part of the review (2. above) raised questions regarding the regulatory framework and the capability and sustainability of Aotearoa’s water service providers. The inquiry found widespread systematic failure of council water suppliers to meet the standards for safe drinking water.
Government decided change was needed = Three Waters Reform.
Who or what is leading Three Waters?
The reform is being led by Central Government through the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).
What are the objectives of Three Waters Reform?
The Three Waters Reform Programme has four key outcomes:
- safe, reliable drinking water
- better environmental performance of wastewater and stormwater services
- efficient, sustainable, resilient and accountable multi-regional water and sewage services
- making it affordable for future generations
Who or what is Taumata Arowai?
Taumata Arowai is the new water services regulator. It is a Crown entity with a Ministerial-appointed board that sits alongside an independent Maori Advisory Group, Te Puna. Its goal is to provide safe and reliable drinking water and improve delivery of waste and storm water.
What funding has Council already received from Three Waters?
Our first Reform payment of $3.88 million has been received. We are spending this funding on:
- Tokoroa wastewater treatment plant de-nitrification - $3.17m
- SCADA/ telemetry - $0.45m
- Regional collaboration - $0.1m
- District wide stormwater - $0.16m