Following Response 3906 (2026), in addition to public monitoring and reporting requirements for overflows and bypasses taking effect from December 2028, will the Water Services Authority (Taumata Arowai) monitor and report on incidences of non-compliance from wastewater treatment plants with any consents/permits they operate under?

Answer

Monitoring and reporting on incidences of non-compliance from wastewater treatment plants is the responsibility of the consenting authority (regional councils and unitary authorities) under the Resource Management Act. Treatment plants consented in the future under the national wastewater environmental performance standards will also be required to report compliance and enforcement information in respect of wastewater discharges to the Authority. The Authority will monitor this information as part of its system oversight responsibilities and can report and advise on matters of performance.