What Does "Safe" Drinking Water Mean?

When you think about “safe” drinking water, what comes to mind? Is it water that tastes fresh, contains no visible contaminants, or something that complies with local regulations? The definition of “safe” water varies widely, depending on whom you ask—whether it’s your supplier, a health expert, or a neighbor. This inconsistency can lead to confusion for homeowners who simply want to ensure their family is consuming healthy water. In this post, we’ll explore the different definitions of “safe” water, the role of current regulations, and how you can set your own standards at home.

Different Standards of Safety:

1. Supplier vs. Household Expectations:
   For many water suppliers, “safe” water means meeting the legal requirements set by national or local bodies. This often involves testing for contaminants like E. coli, nitrates, and other potentially harmful chemicals. However, what’s considered “safe” by regulatory standards might not always align with what feels safe to consumers. For example, water that smells or tastes like chlorine can technically meet safety standards, but you might still have concerns about long-term health impacts from residual chemicals. 
2. Regulatory Compliance and Health Risks:
   In New Zealand, Taumata Arowai is the water services regulator, setting and monitoring compliance with drinking water standards. These standards outline acceptable levels for a variety of contaminants but leave room for interpretation regarding aesthetic qualities (taste, odor, etc.) and trace contaminants. The recent Taumata Arowai Drinking Water Regulation Report 2023 highlights the discrepancy between compliance and actual safety, noting that several regions are still reporting high levels of E. coli in source waters, despite overall compliance.
3. Household Filtration and Individual Health Needs:
   If you have children, elderly family members, or individuals with compromised immunity at home, your definition of “safe” water might include additional layers of protection beyond what the local council provides. For these scenarios, installing a home filtration system with specific barriers, such as activated carbon for chemical absorption or Ultra or UV treatment for bacteria, and Fluoride filtration can provide greater peace of mind.

What Are the Risks of "Compliant" Water?
The Taumata Arowai report revealed that some water supplies met compliance standards but were still linked to long-term boil water advisories and elevated contaminant levels, particularly in rural communities. Compliance doesn’t always equal safety because regulations typically focus on acute health risks (e.g., preventing waterborne illnesses) rather than chronic exposure to low levels of contaminants.

Setting Your Own Safety Standards: If you want to go beyond compliance-based safety, consider the following:

• Water Filtration Options: Identify what contaminants are most likely to be present in your region’s water supply. For heavy metals, an activated carbon filter might suffice, but for protozoa like Giardia, an Ultra Filter or reverse osmosis system is more effective.
• Regular Testing: Conduct annual water quality tests, especially if you use private sources like bore water or rainwater tanks. Look for changes in contaminant levels and adjust your filtration system as needed.
• Personal Preferences: If the taste or smell of chlorine bothers you, consider a filter that removes chlorine and its by-products, such as chloramines. Some may also wish to remove fluoride, depending on personal health considerations.

Conclusion:
Ultimately, “safe” drinking water should be defined by you, the consumer. Regulations are in place to prevent immediate health risks, but you can take additional measures to ensure your water meets a higher standard—one that aligns with your personal health goals. Want to learn more about home filtration options? Read our home water filtration guide here.