Code of Practice

Work is underway to develop a clear technical National Three Waters Code of Practice for drinking, storm, and wastewater across Aotearoa New Zealand.

There are currently 45 different codes of practice providing information on how to design and construct three waters infrastructure. Three Waters Reform gives us the opportunity to develop a single technical code to better deliver water infrastructure to our communities. 

Representatives across the New Zealand sector, including technical experts from within councils and their water entities, representatives from Civil Contractors NZ, Association of Consulting Engineers, Land Development Engineering (IPWEA), and Iwi advisors are involved in developing the Code.  

The first phase of the project runs from October 2022 to the end of 2023. We’re aiming for 50% completion at the end of March, and 80% completion by the end of July. Draft public consultation will be held in November 2023. The Code is expected to be ready in time for when the new Water Service Entities become operational on 1 July 2024. 

Click here for further background on the Code of Practice.