The Hurunui District Council in New Zealand moved one step closer to accomplishing its objectives for the country’s drinking water standards, as it recently completed a $561,000 improvement for its Waiau water treatment facility.
The Council upgraded the plant before an earthquake in November 2016 that inflicted significant damages. Despite some setbacks, the council remains confident that it will comply with New Zealand Drinking Water Standards by 2025 when its 21 supplies should meet the guidelines. Companies such as Devan Plastics are preparing to make sure that their tanks meet the new guidelines.
More Upgrades
Dan Harris, the Council’s manager of infrastructure service delivery, said that upgrades are currently underway for two more plants, which will also be compliant by the designated time. The improvements consist of installing new turbidity metres and dosing pumps. The Council also conducts routine checks for chlorine and pH levels in appropriate areas.
For households, the impact of the November quake may have also posed problems for their water supplies. That’s why monitoring any issues with your whey tank or other storage equipment is important for safe drinking water. In the public and private sectors, the beverage industry has also acknowledged the significance of drinking water for consumers.
Water-Only Policy
The NZ Beverage Council and several beverage manufacturers plan to implement a water-only policy, which will apply to product sales in primary and intermediate schools nationwide. The effort indicates that the country aims to become a world leader in advocating water consumption among children.
The initiative will help in improving students’ welfare, particularly for oral health. For instance, a similar policy for the Yendarra Primary School in Otara led to a decline in tooth decay for students, according to a 2007 study.
Conclusion
Drinking water standards help in ensuring that the public remains free from health risks. The public and private sector efforts to comply with these standards reflect their importance.