The Central Otago District Council (CODC) says it has taken “proactive steps” to ensure water in the district continues to meet the rising standard of water quality in New Zealand.  

“As water quality standards increase, we have continued to prioritise investment, including the recently opened Lake Dunstan Water Supply,” CODC chief executive officer Peter Kelly said.   

On Thursday, October 5, the CODC received direction from Taumata Arowai regarding compliance deadlines for protozoa barriers to be installed in all water systems. For those water systems that rely on surface water as the source, the installation and operation of a protozoa barrier must be completed by 31 December 2024.  

For water systems that use bore water as their source, installation and operation of a protozoa barrier must be in place by 31 December 2025.

The CODC said it had a plan in place to deliver compliant water supplies and would accelerate its ability to achieve compliance by the due dates as directed by Taumata Arowai.   

“We acknowledge the issues that have been raised by Taumata Arowai and are working towards achieving the best possible water quality for Central Otago residents”, Peter said.  

"CODC is committed to delivering safe drinking water that meets New Zealand’s Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules."