What do we really mean by three waters?

The phrase ‘3 waters’ was a much-used industry term long before it became the label for the previous government’s water services review. So, what does it really mean? 

Councils and water services providers break what they do up into three areas – wastewater, stormwater and drinking water. 

So, this basically covers the water that goes into your home and then goes out, and what the weather throws at us. 

Stormwater: This covers all the work and infrastructure that collects and manages rainwater runoff from streets, roofs, and other surfaces. It helps prevent flooding and directs water to safe outlets like rivers or streams. 

As major weather events get more frequent and hard-hitting in New Zealand, we need to make sure these are well-maintained and do their job. 

Wastewater: This system collects used water from homes and businesses, treats it to remove pollutants, and safely discharges it back into the environment.  

In a district whose population is growing as fast as ours, we need to plan for all the extra pressure that all those additional bathrooms, laundries and kitchens will put on our networks. 
 
Drinking water: Councils provide clean, safe drinking water to homes and businesses. It involves treating water from sources like rivers or groundwater to ensure it meets health standards. 

We may have a lot of water sources in our district but the process to get that water to safe standards for humans is long and complicated. The health of our community is paramount, and maintaining our systems to get healthy water to every home and business is a key part of what we do.  

All three services are part of the changes to how councils manage water, whichever partnership option we choose. If we choose to go with either of the joint CCO options, waste and drinking water will all be managed by the new CCO business. However, the options being considered mean that the CCO may contract stormwater management back to council.