Council receives clarity around water chlorination

Christchurch City Council staff and the Water Services Authority Taumata Arowai have provided greater clarity about what is required to maintain a safe water supply.

Head of Three Waters Gavin Hutchison says the workshop with Councillors today was helpful in setting clear expectations for the future. 

“It’s good to have clarity from the regulator. While our groundwater remains some of the highest quality in the world, it’s clear that returning to the pre chlorination approach would require significant investment.”   

Christchurch historically relied on the exceptional quality of its groundwater, but current regulations place stronger emphasis on protection throughout the entire network. 

“Our source water is still very good – that hasn’t changed. But water travels a long way from the well to the tap, and there are multiple opportunities within the network for contamination. Residual disinfection with chlorine provides an important layer of protection against that,” says Mr Hutchison. 

Discussions with the regulator had also helped reset expectations around chlorine exemptions. 

“While it would be technically possible to build a system that does not require chlorination. You’d need a much newer pipe network, and major system-wide improvements.

“We’re committed to maintaining a high-quality system alongside our continued investment in renewing pipes and strengthening the city’s water supply network,” says Mr Hutchison.