Information on the availability of publicly accessible drinking water across Selwyn District.

Overview

The Community Access to Drinking Water Assessment provides an overview of where and how people can access drinking water across Selwyn. This assessment has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025.

Our first assessment has been prepared in June 2026 and will be reviewed every three years.

Drinking Water in Selwyn

Drinking water is supplied across the district through a mix of providers and supply types:

  • Selwyn Water Limited – majority supplier of reticulated drinking water (83% of the population)
  • Christchurch City Council – cross-boundary supply to approximately 60 properties
  • Registered drinking water suppliers – including community and rural schemes
  • Minor Aspect Supplies – Council-managed supplies at selected community facilities and open spaces sites
  • Private arrangements of shared water access to surface water or groundwater takes
  • Self supplies – such as bores, rainwater tanks, and on-site systems

This assessment brings these together to provide a district-wide view of communities access to drinking water.

What the Assessment Covers

This assessment provides an overview of how people can access drinking water across the district. It:

  • Identifies drinking water access
  • Assesses coverage and accessibility across communities
  • Highlights areas with limited or access reliant on self-supply
  • Identifies potential risks to access, including gaps in provision and reliability
  • Considers water quality risks and how these are managed
  • Examines how population growth and land use change may affect future access and quality
  • Supports planning and prioritisation of improvements to ensure safe and equitable access

How this fits with water services

Selwyn Water Limited continues to delivers the majority of reticulated drinking water services across the district. You can find out more about Selwyn Water's supplies.

Council’s role includes:

  • Public health responsibilities and oversight to ensure all people within our district have access to safe and reliable water
  • Provision of Minor Aspect Supplies at our community facilities and public spaces