Decentralized Solutions for Non Potable water Reuse

To advance the beneficial and efficient uses of high-quality, locally produced, sustainable water sources for the betterment of society and the environment through advocacy, education and outreach, research, and membership.

Introduction Providing safe drinking-water for all is a cornerstone of protecting people from illness, and it is the responsibility of the water supplier/operator to ensure that the drinking-water they provide is safe regardless of the number of people served and the type of population. In 2002 the New Zealand Water and Wastes Association (NZWWA) in conjunction with the New Zealand Water Environment Research Foundation (NZWERF) conducted a survey of New Zealand small water systems (systems that supply water to fewer than 500 people). The survey attempted to identify how well the systems were being managed, and what difficulties the industry experienced in meeting the requirements as set out in the Drinking-water Standards for New Zealand 2000 (DWSNZ). The objective of the report was to highlight the trends and issues facing small water systems. The interviewers undertook a visual inspection of the systems and rated the plant in the majority of systems (85 percent) as in excellent or satisfactory condition; although ‘satisfactory’ does not mean that they were DWSNZ compliant. The 15 percent of the systems that were rated as unsatisfactory were given this rating mainly for having no (or an inadequate level) of treatment. Only 40 percent of surface water sources were reported to be fenced, at least 20 percent of the groundwater sources had insecure head works, and 47 percent of roof water sources had no flushing points. The storage tanks for 33 percent of the systems were considered to have inadequate vermin protection or were incorrectly sealed, NZWWA (2002).

Water issues touch all segments of society and all economic sectors. Population growth, rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, the expansion of agriculture and tourism, and climate change all put water under increasing stress. Given this growing pressure it is critical that this vital resource is properly managed.