Taking action for sustainable use and management of water

Last updated: 31 August 2023

Reporting frequency: Quarterly

We are accelerating actions to improve and protect drinking water sources, and set standards for effective management of stormwater and wastewater.

We are supporting water users to develop infrastructure and practices (including exploring the role of environmental infrastructure) to access water sources and use them sustainably.

How are we tracking on our Levels of Service?

Level of Service 7: Work with Ngāi Tahu, the community, industry, and the region’s city and district councils to improve Three Waters, including urban water quality.

To achieve this level of service, we will deliver prioritised catchment programmes to improve urban water quality.

How did we do: We submitted water reform legislation and proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standards for drinking water and undertook an analysis of the implications of meeting this new legislative requirement. This included a Three Waters compliance stocktake, which was shared with regional councils in the Ngāi Tahu takiwā. We continue to engage with Canterbury territorial authorities on asset ownership and flood response, and with on-site wastewater industry groups to lift performance.

Other work included an urban microplastics campaign, with over 60 sites visited and advice provided to address any onsite issues. Businesses have been very receptive to staff and advice, with very positive feedback provided during site visits.

Achieved

Level of Service 12: Partner with others to ensure that regional water infrastructure contributes to outcomes sought through the Canterbury Water Management Strategy and central government's Essential Freshwater package, and improves resilience.

To achieve this level of service, we will identify opportunities for improving environmental outcomes through infrastructure and establish projects though a regional work programme.

How did we do: The Regional Infrastructure Work Programme annual report is available on our website.

Achieved

How are we doing on our key initiatives?

Three Waters Reform and Implementation, to support the region’s city and district councils to improve Three Waters

How are we doing: We submitted on the Water Services Legislation Bill and provided advice to the Ministry for the Environment (MFE) on National Environmental Standard for Drinking Water. Ongoing compliance monitoring of territorial authorities (TAs) wastewater and stormwater resource consents was undertaken and TAs were engaged with on compliance matters.

On track