Many homes across Hawkes Bay rely on rainwater tanks as their primary water source — especially in rural and semi-rural areas. If you’re renting a property on tank water, whether as a landlord or a tenant, it’s essential to understand the legal responsibilities, health risks, and best practices involved in managing this type of water system.
At Think Water Hawkes Bay, we frequently work with both landlords and tenants to ensure their tank water systems are safe, compliant, and functioning effectively.
Why It Matters: The Risks of Poorly Maintained Tank Water
Unlike town water, rainwater isn’t treated before it reaches your tap. That means the responsibility for water safety lies with the property owner. Poorly maintained systems can allow dirt, bird droppings, animal remains, algae, or bacteria like E. coli to contaminate your supply. In some cases, this can lead to serious health issues — especially for children, the elderly, or anyone with a compromised immune system. Maintaining clean, safe water isn’t just a health concern — it’s a legal one, too.
Landlord Responsibilities Under NZ Law
In New Zealand, landlords have a legal obligation to provide a safe and potable water supply at the start of every tenancy. According to the Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand 2022, that means water must be suitable for human consumption.
Key landlord obligations include:
- Providing a full tank at the start of tenancy: This is considered part of the rental agreement, similar to providing a clean home.
- Maintaining the system infrastructure: Tanks, guttering, downpipes, mesh screens, and first-flush diverters must be kept in good working condition.
- Ensuring the water is safe to drink: The most cost-effective method currently to guarantee potable water is an UV Filtration System. We recommend a Puretec or Davey whole-house UV filter to enjoy safe water from every tap of your home.
- Meeting Healthy Homes Standards: Providing safe, drinkable water is considered part of the general responsibility to ensure the home is “reasonably clean and in a reasonable state of repair.”
Failure to comply may result in tenancy tribunal action and could lead to compensation claims or orders to upgrade the system.
What Tenants Should Know
While landlords are responsible for system upkeep, tenants also play a role in maintaining water quality throughout the tenancy.
Tenants should:
- Keep gutters and screens clear of leaves and debris.
- Monitor water levels and let landlords know when a refill is needed.
- Avoid introducing contaminants (e.g. don’t hose down animal waste near downpipes).
- Report issues early — strange smells, taste changes, or visible tank contamination should always be flagged immediately.
It’s highly recommended that landlords and tenants clearly outline water system responsibilities in the tenancy agreement to avoid misunderstandings.
UV Filtration: A Smart Solution for Safe Water
UV (ultraviolet) filtration is one of the most effective ways to make tank water safe. Unlike sediment filters, which only remove physical particles, UV filters sterilize the water, killing up to 99.99% of bacteria and viruses — including E. coli and giardia.
A complete filtration system typically includes:
- Pre-filtration: Removes dirt, debris, and sediment.
- Carbon or sediment cartridge filter: Improves taste and removes odours or fine particles.
- UV treatment unit: Exposes water to a UV light chamber that neutralizes microorganisms.
At Think Water Hawkes Bay, we work with landlords, tenants, and property managers to ensure tank water systems are safe, compliant, and running efficiently. Whether it’s installing or upgrading a filtration system, inspecting an existing setup, or providing regular maintenance and servicing, our team is here to help.
If you’re living in — or renting out — a home that uses tank water and you’re unsure about your responsibilities or the system’s safety, don’t leave it to chance. Reach out to Think Water Hawkes Bay for expert advice and local support.