What is non potable water and potable water?
Non potable water is non drinkable water. At Stonefields it is sourced from a combination of natural ground water and captured rainwater which is treated by filtering and chlorinating – and is a lower standard than drinking water.
Potable water is drinkable water – which we receive through our pipes every day for drinking and use in and around our homes.
Why use non potable water in the Stonefields area?
Non potable water has been planned for this housing development, because the source for it is available in the immediate area and it can be captured, treated and distributed to homes there. Using non potable water will help conserve our drinking water from the main supply.
What will it be used for?
The non potable supply will only be used for flushing toilets and outside use. It will not be used for any other household use.
How will it be transported to properties?
The new water source will be piped to the area through a separate purple pipe. So these properties will have 3 pipes, one for potable water one for non potable water and one for wastewater.
Is there going to be a treatment plant for non-potable water? And where will this be located in relation to the treatment plant for potable water? Is there a chance the water may get mixed up?
Yes, when it is built the treatment plant for non potable water will be in the vicinity of the Stonefields Development, Mt Wellington. Watercare’s treatment plants for Auckland region’s potable water supply are in the Hunuas, the Waitakeres and in Franklin. There is no chance the two types of water will get mixed up. The non potable supply will come through a purple pipe which will differentiate it from potable.
We have adopted the Australian standards for non potable plumbing (Australia has considerable experience in delivery of reticulated non potable water) Your information pack from Fletchers Living contains information about their 5 year plumbing workmanship guarantee. Any problems with plumbing will be fixed by a registered plumber who understands the 3 pipe plumbing configuration in these houses.
When will non potable water be available?
The non potable water supply will be available after the treatment plant has been built. This will happen when the site is further developed and more houses have been sold.
Is there a chance non potable water won’t be connected?
We are very much affected by market forces to make this project viable. If enough properties are sold and enough people are living at Stonefields to make it viable then it will go ahead. Because the economy has slowed somewhat it may take longer to sell properties than in a more buoyant environment. Metrowater is optimistic about the future of this project and excited about the prospect of providing an environmentally friendly alternative to potable water to our customers at Stonefields – which will help conserve our valuable drinking water.
Will it cost the same as potable?
Research is being done on this. Such aspects as the cost of the treatment plant, expected uptake by residents and the overall cost of operations will influence the decision on pricing, which will be made in the future when enough properties are sold to make the building of the treatment plant viable.
How will Metrowater bill these customers for this water?
Customers will have two meters one for non potable and one for potable. This will be reflected on their bills, with a cost for non potable and one for potable.
Prior to the use of non potable water being available, potable will be supplied through the non potable pipe.
Are there any heavy metals in the non potable water? What would be the effects on health be if it was drunk?
Yes, but not at a level to cause harm to your health. They are at the same level as those present in your drinking water which is comparable to the Maximum Acceptable Values or (MAV) stipulated in the Ministry of Health (MoH) drinking water supply standards.
What would happen if my child or pet drank the water from the hose or dish outside? Would it affect their health?
Although the non potable water quality will not strictly meet the current MoH drinking water supply standards, accidental consumption should not affect the health as it will be treated and disinfected.
My children often play under the sprinkler system in the summer time - is this safe?
Yes
Can I use non-potable water to water fruit and vegetables?
Yes, it is perfectly all right for this and will not harm them.
Do you recommend washing hands after being in contact with non-potable water (i.e. after using the hose to wash the car, clean outside windows etc.)?
You probably would anyway after doing any cleaning job. However it wouldn’t harm you if you didn’t as the water is natural ground water and rain water, chlorinated and filtered.
How do we know Metrowater won’t get two type of waters mixed up and we get non potable for drinking – how can you guarantee that won’t happen.
The non potable water comes to you through a purple pipe, (to differentiate it from the potable supply) sourced from a fully independent reticulation system. All infrastructure has to comply with Auckland City Council building and engineering regulations and be signed off by building inspectors and engineering compliance officers.
How do we know which pipe is which inside the house? Is the non potable a different colour like the pipe supplying it?
The pipe inside your house supplying non potable is coloured purple.
Does it have environmental benefits?
Yes, the system is environmentally friendly because it uses water which would otherwise be allowed to drain away and helps conserve our valuable drinking water.
Do I have a choice to opt out?
All of the homes being built in the Stonefields development are plumbed for non potable water and home owners are unable to opt out.
Are there standards for implementing this water system?
Yes, we are adopting the Australian standards on non potable plumbing (Australia has considerable experience in delivery of reticulated non potable water)
Who is financing this project?
Landco is financing the non potable water infrastructure; Fletchers are incorporating the plumbing within the houses. Metrowater and Auckland City will be will be making arrangements for its long term management.
Is there a requirement to have a label/sign erected by the outside tap warning non-residents the water is not to be used for drinking?
Yes, there is a requirement for a sign once the non potable water comes available. When that happens, residents will be provided with a sign.
I have a problem with the plumbing? Will my plumber know about this and understand the internal plumbing work in my property?
You will have received a hand over box from Fletchers Living when you moved in. This contained information about their plumbing workmanship 5 year guarantee. If you have any problems with your plumbing please call Fletcher Living’s head office on 525 9500 and they will send out one of their registered plumbers.
How can I find out more about non potable water and how beneficial other countries have found it?
The internet is a good source. Australia has considerable experience using non potable water and their Local Government websites provide plenty of information.
