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The new Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules restricts who is permitted to use a standpipe and fire hydrant to access the water network - to Emergency Services, the drinking water supplier, and authorised contractors only, where it is necessary for the operation of the drinking water supply.

Therefore, contractors are no longer able to access the fire hydrant network through the use of a standpipe (even with the addition of an RPZ). This rule has been brought into place to improve control over who has access to water supply networks and how, to improve protections to users from non-authorised use and the risk of backflow.

In response, Selwyn District Council (SDC) have recently completed construction of two bulk water extraction points in Darfield and Rolleston which are available to civil contractors to extract water from the SDC water network, provided they have a valid permit in place. You may formally apply here.

The bulk water extraction points still require the use of an upstand (with backflow prevention) connected to a hydrant; however, they are downstream of an SDC maintained backflow preventor, are isolated from the reticulated network, and comply with the requirements of the drinking water standards.

Penalties exist for accessing any hydrant other than the two extraction points provided. Initially there is no charge for the permit process and the volume used - provided excessive consumption is not observed. In the future SDC may implement volumetric charging for bulk water extraction. Prior to implementation SDC will contact users and provide additional information and refresh the conditions of use.

Please note taking water without a permit or extracting water from a hydrant other than the two nominated bulk water extraction points is an offence under the Selwyn District Council Water Supply Bylaw 2008 and failure to comply with this Bylaw commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $20,000.00 or such other amount as may be provide for, under sections 239 and 242 of the Act and is liable to enforcement action by the Council. Please also refer to the conditions of use information here.