Is your private water supply safe?

Knowing where the water you drink, wash your food, and bathe in comes from is important.

It will help you to protect you and your family and friends from the chemicals or bacteria that may make the water unsafe.

Contaminated water can cause serious illness (vomiting and diarrhoea) and even be life-threatening for infants, older people, or people with weak immune systems.

If water comes into your taps from a private water supply such as a groundwater well, a roof rainwater collection tank or a stream, river, lake or spring, then you’re responsible for understanding the quality of this water and how to keep it safe for use.

If you notice changes in the colour, odour, or taste of your water or that it is suddenly cloudy, then your water may be contaminated and you need to get it tested by a qualified laboratory water treatment expert.

On this page you’ll find information to help you:

  • Understand where your water supply comes from
  • Protect your drinking water supply (wells, streams, water tanks and more)
  • Ensure your water is safe for use through water testing and treatment

We have created a brochure covering useful information on this topic (PDF 2.1 MB) .

Updated November 12, 2021 at 5:40 PM

Get in touch

Phone:
0800496734
Email:
info@gw.govt.nz