30-06-2025
Report Reveals Water Unsafe To Drink At Many Schools
Water New Zealand says that children, their teachers and school support staff must be able to drink school supplied water without the risk of serious illness.
Chief executive Gillian Blythe says it's clear that many rural schools have not had the training and support to manage their water supplies.
She says this has been an ongoing issue that is now recognised by the Ministry of Education and is in the process of being addressed.
A report just released by the Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai, has revealed that out of 418 schools that supply their own drinking water, 71 schools were found to have had in their water supply and 24 schools were found to have had repeated recurrences.
The water regulator's latest annual drinking water quality report provides information on publicly supplied water from 1 January to 31 December 2024.
More than half of self supplying schools don't have an identified plan to meet compliance requirements.
Gillian Blythe says the Ministry of Education has recognised the need to upskill principals and school boards and has taken steps to ensure training is available.
'The Ministry has been working with us to ensure that staff and trustees understand their obligations and have the skills required to provide safe drinking water.
'As a result, principals and trustees are now being encouraged to upskill through Water New Zealand training material such as digital badges, particularly aimed at rural schools.'
Schools are often used as community hubs or evacuation centres in emergencies.
'Ensuring schools are well equipped to supply safe water is crucial to minimise public health risk during an emergency.'
For more information contact communications manager, Debra Harrington tel 027 202 8857.
