Clean and safe drinking water right from the tap is seen by many Kiwis as a right, not a privilege – but it is not always the case.
Almost half a million New Zealanders drink water that could make them sick.
Experts estimate that there are between 18,000 and 34,000 cases of waterborne disease every year and more than 700,000 New Zealanders are supplied with water that does not comply with bacterial standards.
In the past, supplies in Blenheim and Masterton have been contaminated, but have since been dealt with.* Contaminated water can have potentially serious effects such as diarrhoea, vomiting and even death.
Three years ago, it became compulsory for water suppliers to provide safe water and try harder to prevent contamination.
Local councils put the bill for the upgrade at $900 million.Many Kiwis drinking unsafe water
