Understanding Drinking Water
A quick start resource guide for schools
Introduction
This resource provides a quick starting point for teachers and educators to introduce the basic concepts of drinking water in their classrooms. It has been developed to help teachers find and use the wealth of resources that are available and provide a framework for approaching this topic.
Drinking water is water that is safe and clean for human consumption, free from harmful contaminants and pollutants. It is essential for maintaining hydration, supporting bodily functions, and promoting overall health.
Water New Zealand (Water NZ) is a national not-for-profit organisation which promotes the sustainable management and development of Aotearoa New Zealand’s water environment, particularly the three waters (drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater). Water NZ provides leadership and support in the water sector through advocacy, collaboration, and professional development. Its ~3,000 members are drawn from all areas of the water management industry including regional councils and territorial authorities, consultants, suppliers, government agencies, academia and scientists.
Supplimentary resources
For each concept you can explore additional teaching materials, case studies, and tools via our website. www.waternz.org.nz/UnderstandingDrinkingWater
Key concepts you may like to explore within stormwater include:
1.What is drinking water?
2.Te Mana o te Wai
3.Where do we get our drinking water from?
4.Treating drinking water
5.Pipes and Pumps
6.Conserving water
7.Drinking water around the world
What is drinking water 1
The urban water system includes drinking water, wastewater and stormwater.
Drinking water, also known as potable water, is water that is safe for human consumption. It is free from harmful levels of contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals. Drinking water is typically sourced from natural springs, wells, or treated municipal supplies, and it must meet stringent quality standards set by health and environmental authorities to ensure its safety for daily use.
To stay healthy and hydrated people need to drink around 4 litres of water (fluids) a day.
2 Te Mana o te Wai
We know that all water is connected, the water that we drink comes from streams and rivers which provide environments for fish and other organisms. These are also often the environments that we need to discharge waste into. Thinking of water as one connected system helps us take care of our health and the environment.
Te Mana o te Wai is one framework that helps us think about how to do this. Under Te Mana o te Wai the first priority must be to ensure the life-supporting capacity of water.
It has six principles:
Where do we get our drinking water from?
Aotearoa New Zealand sources its drinking water from a variety of natural sources, including groundwater aquifers, rivers, lakes, streams, and springs. Groundwater aquifers are particularly significant, providing about one-third of the country's water supply.
In rural areas, many people also rely on roof-collected rainwater systems for their drinking water. The diverse sources ensure a reliable supply of water, although the quality and availability can vary across different regions.
4Treating drinking water
Water from different sources, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, undergoes several treatment processes to ensure it is safe for consumption.
These processes typically include coagulation and flocculation, where chemicals are added to bind particles together; sedimentation, where these particles settle out; filtration, which removes smaller particles and contaminants; and disinfection, where chemicals like chlorine or methods like UV light are used to kill harmful microorganisms.
Treating drinking water is crucial to remove contaminants that can cause diseases and to ensure the water meets safety standards for human consumption. Once treated, the water is stored in reservoirs or water tanks and then distributed through a network of pipes to homes and businesses.
What makes water safe to drink?
Learn how water is cleaned using real-world treatment processes like filtration and UV disinfection, with videos, diagrams, and student resources.
www.waternz.org.nz/UnderstandingDrinkingWater
5
Pipes and Pumps
After treatment, the water needs to reach the tap in your house. This is achieved through a network of pipes and sometimes pumps, known as the reticulation system. These pipes are generally underground and vary in size, from large mains pipes that can be up to 300 cm wide, to smaller lateral pipes that connect businesses and homes to the mains supply, which may be just 6 cm wide.
The water in these pipes is pressurised to ensure your taps run and your shower works efficiently. When these pipes break, the water pressure can be strong enough to shoot water up to 10 metres high!
6Conserving Water
Conserving water is crucial because it ensures a sustainable supply for future generations and helps protect our environment. Freshwater resources are limited, and wasting drinking water can lead to shortages, especially in areas prone to drought.
Additionally, conserving water reduces the energy and costs associated with water treatment and distribution. By using water wisely, we can also minimise the strain on natural ecosystems, preserving habitats for wildlife and maintaining the balance of our natural world.
Why does saving water matter?
Dive into water-saving tips, sustainability projects, and activities for students to become kaitiaki of our precious wai.
www.waternz.org.nz/UnderstandingDrinkingWater
7 Drinking water around the world
Communities worldwide face significant challenges related to drinking water, including waterborne diseases, droughts, pollution, and ageing infrastructure. Approximately 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, impacting public health, economic development, and quality of life.
Ensuring access to clean water helps prevent diseases, supports hygiene, and is essential for daily activities. The UN has recognised water and sanitation as fundamental human rights and has made universal access to safe and affordable drinking water a key target under Sustainable Development Goal 6.
Finding out more about careers in water
Drinking water experts are justifiably proud of the work they do to protect the health of people and the environment. The field includes people with expertise across a wide range of sectors including environmental sciences, policy and planning, infrastructure development, engineering, microbiology, specialist operations, accounting, climate change specialists and many more.
To connect with stormwater experts in your area please contact Water New Zealand or Inspiring Futures
www.inspiringthefuture.org.nz www.waternz.org.nz
Go to our website for more career resources https://www.waternz.org.nz/UnderstandingStormwater
Why work in water?
Whether you ’ re passionate about public and community health and wellbeing, climate change or protecting the environment, a job in the water sector is a great way to make a difference.
The critical role of water treatment, supply, and management in our communities means there is a constant demand for water professionals, making it a secure career choice that means there will always be a need for water professionals.
A job in water is a way to ensure your future job security.
What does the future look like?
The sector is always evolving. In an ever-changing world, water remains at the forefront of our survival.
Here’s some emerging areas in the sector that could provide you with job opportunities
Climate change adaption – drought mitigation, flood management, water quality monitoring
Emerging contaminants – pharmaceuticals, personal care products
Water resource management – water allocation and trading systems, integrated catchment management
Improving water allocation strategies – irrigation, planning, community engagement
Technology advancements – smart water metering, digital twin modelling
Māori engagement and cultural considerations – Te Awa Tupua (River Guardianship) and Co governance models
International public health – water is covered by the UN Strategic Development Goal 6 which supports access to clear water and sanitation in communities around the world
Drinking Water Glossary
Somethingthatspoilsorcorruptsasolutionsuchaspurewater.
Coagulation
Theprocessofaddingchemicalstowatertocausesmallparticlesand contaminantstoclumptogetherintolargerparticles,makingthemeasierto removeduringsubsequentfiltrationandsedimentationsteps.
Disinfection
Theprocessofcleaningsomethingtodestroybacteriaandotherharmful microorganisms.
DrinkingWater
Waterthatissafeforhumanconsumption,freefromharmfulcontaminantsand pollutants.
Flocculation
Theprocessofaddingchemicalstowatertocausesmallparticlesand contaminantstoclumptogetherintolargerparticles,orflocs,makingthem easiertoremoveduringsubsequentsedimentationandfiltrationsteps.
Filtration
Theprocessofremovingimpuritiesandcontaminantsbypassingthewater throughapermeablematerial,suchassandoractivatedcarbon.
Pathogen
Apathogenisanyorganism,suchasabacterium,virus,orfungus,thatcan causedisease.
Reticulation
Thenetworkofpipesandinfrastructureusedtotransportwater.
Reuse/Recycling
Theprocessoftreatingusedwatersoitcanbesafelyusedagainforpurposes likeirrigation,industrialprocesses,orevendrinkingwater.
Sedimentation
Theprocessoftreatingusedwatersoitcanbesafelyusedagainforpurposes likeirrigation,industrialprocesses,orevendrinkingwater.
enquiries@waternz.org.nz
waternz.org.nz
enquiries@waternz.org.nz
waternz.org.nz