Water
All New Zealand tap water in cities and towns is safe to drink and generally of very high quality.
Fluoridation
In most towns and cities the reticulated water supply is also fluoridated, to assist in hardening children’s teeth for extra dental protection. This practice has been controversial with a small percentage of New Zealanders, however the balance of evidence for benefits over proven concerns has seen this practice adopted not only in New Zealand but in other countries worldwide.
The government case for flouridated water is summarised by the Ministry of Health.
Streams and rivers
It is now accepted that some of New Zealand’s once pristine freshwater streams and rivers have some contamination which can make them unsafe for drinking, and in some cases for swimming.
The general cause of this decline has been a lack of monitoring, regulation or enforcement of standards.
Central government have implemented the Fresh Start for Fresh Water initiative in response to this.
For the latest official reports and other resources relating to the rehabilitation and future preservation of New Zealand’s waterways, visit the Ministry for the Environment.
Bottled water
Although household or ‘tap water’ in New Zealand is safe to drink, bottled or mineral water are commonly available.
