Kiwification

In every region in New Zealand, the local Kiwis will tell you that their drinking water is the best in the country. (Either that, or a heated discussion about the best beer will ensue)In my limited experience thus far, Napier has the best drinking water (And my wife, water-snob supreme, confirms this).

Why does Napier have the best drinking water in New Zealand?

We’re positioned on top of an artesian aquifer, which provides all of Napier’s water. The aquifer is part of the Heretaunga Plains underground water system that is administered by the Hawkes Bay Regional Council. These alluvial plains are also one of the reasons the region is so fertile, and so suited to vineyards, orchards, and gardens.

The official word

(from the Napier District Council Website)

Napier is fortunate in having a supply of water that can be used directly without the need for treatment.

The artesian supply is free from bacteriological and viral contamination, and is also free from the cysts that cause Giardia Lamblia and Cryptosporidiosis. This means that filtration, chemical treatment such as disinfection, and other forms of treatment, are not required, all of which would add costs to the consumer.

Bacteriological and chemical tests are carried out on samples taken from pump stations, reservoirs, and randomly from the reticulation on a regular basis to ensure that the system remains free from contamination in accordance with the Drinking Water Standards of New Zealand 2000.Napier’s water currently carries a Bb grading.

Napier has never fluoridated its water supply and there are no plans to do so.