The Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules from our national regulator, The Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai, have changed who can access water from standpipes (a portable tap that clips onto a fire hydrant to take water from the network) and fire hydrants.
Only emergency services, the drinking water supplier, and authorised contractors working directly on the water supply system are permitted to use them. These measures help protect the drinking water network and reduce risks such as like contamination and backflow.
Contractors are not permitted to use standpipes to take water from fire hydrants, even with safety devices such as RPZ valves. This applies across the Selwyn Water network to protect water quality and reduce risks to the supply.
Using water for civil work
To support contractors, Selwyn Water has set up four approved Bulk Water Extraction (BWE) points. These are located in:
- Darfield: Outside 12 Mathias Street
- Izone: Outside 31 Hannover Place
- Leeston: Opposite 73 Station Street
- Rolleston: Opposite 784 Selwyn Road
Contractors can use these sites to access water from our network with a valid BWE permit. Permits must be obtained from Selwyn Water using the BWE application form below.
These extraction points are designed to meet drinking water standards. While they still connect through hydrants, they are:
- Downstream of a Selwyn Water-maintained backflow preventer
- Isolated from the main network
- Compliant with drinking water requirements
Important rules to follow
Contractors must only take water from the approved extraction points.
Taking water without a permit, or from any other hydrant is an offence under the Selwyn District Council Water Supply Bylaw 2008.
Penalties for non-compliance can include enforcement action and fines of up to $20,000. Charges for bulk water extraction have also applied since 1 July 2024, and all users must follow the conditions of use.
Find out more about our fees and charges
Apply now
Bulk Water Extraction Permit form
If you don’t already have one, you will be prompted to sign-up for a MyWater account before completing the online application.