3-Waters Reform
The 3-Waters Reform
Eurofins has it covered.
New Zealand’s three waters – our drinking water, wastewater and stormwater - are all undergoing a major reform to ensure our water services are safe, reliable, fit for purpose and support environmental sustainability. The government has announced that by late 2023/early 2024, four new water agencies will be created to take over responsibility for our three waters, with each agency being responsible for a particular region.
Taumata Arowai has been established as the Crown agent and dedicated regulator of the 3-Waters Reform, and will enforce current drinking water standards and monitor the environmental performance of wastewater and stormwater networks.
The reform will see an increase in existing stormwater sampling and testing, and new requirements for companies that discharge stormwater from their premises. Companies that operate large outdoor areas including carparks, roof spaces, or any other operational areas that rainfall flows over, will be required to set up a monitoring programme.
The good news is that Eurofins Food and Water Testing is already in a strong position to operate within the new framework, on four fronts:
- Location: We have the largest network of water testing laboratories strategically located around New Zealand in Auckland, Taupo, Hastings, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, offering customers easy access to all our sampling and water testing services.
- Sampling: We are specialists in the sample collection of council 3-waters samples, and understand the importance of correct sampling procedures, appropriate sampling locations, on-site equipment calibrations and personnel competency.
- Testing: We continue to invest in new instrumentation, new sampling and test methodologies that bring international best practice to the water sector.
- Data Delivery: Our new database support systems including our online customer portal, field sampling application, and integrations with regulator databases mean we are prepared for new data delivery models.
New Sampling App for Full Traceability
In response to the reform, Eurofins Food and Water Testing has developed a new sampling app that provides full traceability from the exact point of sampling through to the sample's arrival at the lab. The process is automated with the data available for audits.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information, or to find out how you may be affected by the 3-Waters Reform.
