22nd April 2026
Around 9000 students across more than 70 schools and early learning services were exposed to unsafe drinking water in 2025, according to a media release from the Green Party. The data shows these sites recorded breaches of New Zealand’s Drinking Water Standards during the year.
Data highlights scale of the issue
The figures are based on water quality data identifying where drinking water exceeded safe limits for contaminants such as bacteria or chemicals. Under national standards, water must meet strict safety thresholds after treatment, and any breach requires action to protect users.
The release states that when these standards are not met, schools may need to shut off drinking taps, issue “do not drink” notices, or rely on alternative water supplies, affecting normal day-to-day operations.
Concerns raised over student health and safety
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said the findings point to a significant issue affecting students across the country.
“Access to safe drinking water is a basic human right, and it is unacceptable that thousands of children have been exposed to unsafe water at school,” Davidson said.
She also stated, “We need to ensure that every school has access to safe, clean drinking water, no matter where they are in Aotearoa.”
Treatment systems not consistently preventing breaches
According to the data, many of the affected schools already had water treatment systems in place, but these systems did not always prevent contamination. This suggests potential issues with system effectiveness, maintenance, or monitoring.
The release also notes that no additional treatment barriers were installed at the affected sites during 2025, raising concerns about how quickly problems are being addressed once identified.
Call for stronger action and investment
The Green Party is calling for increased investment in water infrastructure and stronger protections at the source, including improved management of rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
Davidson said, “We must invest in protecting our water sources and ensuring that all communities, including schools, have reliable access to safe drinking water.”
Wider context of water quality concerns
The findings align with national concerns about drinking water safety. Previous data from Taumata Arowai has identified instances of contamination in school water supplies, including cases involving E. coli.
Ongoing focus on safe school environments
The media release highlights that access to safe drinking water remains a requirement for student health and wellbeing. It also points to the need for consistent monitoring, reliable infrastructure, and timely intervention to prevent further breaches.
