Potable Water
Water that’s safe to drink, and how to get it.
What is potable water?
Potable water is water that’s safe to drink and use for cooking. The word comes from the Latin potare, to drink.
In New Zealand, drinking water is safe when it meets the Drinking Water Standards: no harmful bugs, and chemicals below their maximum acceptable values.
Not sure if your water is potable? Call Steve on 0800 278 296.
Where your water comes from matters
Most private water in New Zealand comes from one of three sources. Each has its own risks.
Bores and springs
Often clear, but can carry iron and manganese, nitrate or hardness, and bugs if the bore head isn’t sealed.
Streams and rivers
Surface water picks up farm runoff, bugs and sediment, so it always needs filtering and disinfecting before you drink it.
How we make your water potable
From the first visit to ongoing servicing, one local team.
1
Free onsite visit
We look at your source, storage, pipes and any treatment you already have.
2
Water test
We test your water through an accredited lab, so we know exactly what’s in it.
3
Plan the treatment
We design treatment to match your water, not a one-size-fits-all kit.
7
Installation
Our plumbers install everything and make sure it works together.
Is your water safe to drink?
Call Steve. We’ll visit, test your water and tell you what it needs.
Supplying water to others?
If you supply drinking water to staff, customers, guests or students, the law says it must be safe. You may need to register your supply and follow the Quality Assurance Rules or an Acceptable Solution.
Find out if you’re a drinking water supplier, or let us take care of it for you.
One call, everything sorted
We’ve looked after water systems for Rodney businesses, schools and rural supplies since 2000. We can take care of:
On-site assessment of your supply
Choosing your compliance pathway
Filtration, UV and chlorination matched to your supply
Registering your supply on your behalf
Acting as your water operator
Drinking Water Safety Plans, records and paperwork
Ongoing servicing, testing and maintenance
Potable or non-potable?
Non-potable water is fine for some jobs, like irrigation, flushing toilets or washing the car. It just isn’t safe to drink or cook with until it’s treated.
Local expertise. Local trust.
We’re a local Warkworth team with experience in water filtration, UV treatment, water pumps, rainwater harvesting and bore water treatment. Four of our team have passed the NZQA small drinking water supplies course, and four have passed the NZQA course on writing Drinking Water Safety Plans.
Potable water FAQs
What does potable water mean?
Water that’s safe to drink and cook with. It comes from the Latin potare, to drink.
What is non-potable water?
Water that isn’t safe to drink without treatment, like untreated stream, tank or bore water. It’s still fine for things like irrigation or flushing toilets.
Is my rainwater tank water potable?
Not automatically. Roof water can pick up bugs from bird and possum droppings, so it needs filtration and UV, plus clean gutters and a first flush diverter.
Is bore water potable?
It depends on your bore. Some is fine, but many bores carry iron, manganese, nitrate or bugs. A water test is the only way to know.
Is town water potable?
Yes. Council supplies must meet the Drinking Water Standards. Some people still filter it to remove the chlorine taste.
Does boiling make water potable?
Boiling kills bugs, but it doesn’t remove chemicals like nitrate, lead or arsenic. It’s a short-term fix, not a long-term one.
How do I know if my water is potable?
Get it tested by an accredited laboratory. We can take the samples, arrange the testing and explain the results.
How do I make my water potable?
Most private supplies need filtration and UV. Some also need reverse osmosis, a softener or ozone, depending on what’s in the water.
Can Aqua Works help?
Yes. We visit for free, test your water, install the right treatment and look after it for you. Call Steve on 0800 278 296.
Get safe, potable water at your place
Book a free onsite visit. We’ll test your water, design the right treatment and look after it for you.