Did you know that dozens of New Zealand schools have faced issues with unsafe drinking water in recent years?
A recent WaterNZ report revealed that 71 schools, mainly in rural areas were found to have E. coli in their drinking water — with 24 experiencing repeated outbreaks. For schools, this isn’t just a compliance problem; it’s a serious public health risk for students, teachers, and staff.
With growing awareness of water quality issues, schools are being called to take proactive steps to ensure their drinking water is clean, safe, and fully compliant by ensuring their tapware is compliant by 1st May 2026. That’s where Assist Trade Services (ATS) comes in.
Why Drinking Water Quality Matters in Schools
Children and young adults are particularly vulnerable to waterborne bacteria such as E. coli. Even low-level contamination can lead to gastrointestinal illness, absenteeism, and in severe cases, long-term health consequences.
For schools, water quality issues also create reputational risk and potential regulatory penalties. Parents trust schools to provide safe environments, and water safety is a fundamental part of that responsibility.
Common Causes of Contaminated Drinking Water
Unsafe drinking water in schools often comes down to plumbing infrastructure issues, including:
- Aging pipes and fixtures that allow bacterial growth.
- Poorly maintained storage tanks that harbour contaminants (mainly in rural areas).
- Lack of proper water filtration or treatment systems.
- Infrequent testing that misses early warning signs.
These issues are preventable with the right plumbing expertise and regular maintenance.
How ATS Helps Schools Keep Drinking Water Safe
At Assist Trade Services, we specialise in delivering safe, reliable plumbing solutions for schools across Auckland.
Here’s how we support schools to ensure water safety:
- Certified Plumbing Expertise
Our plumbers are certified and experienced in working within school environments, with full attention to compliance and safety standards. - Water Filtration & Treatment Systems
We install and maintain modern filtration and treatment systems to ensure water remains free from contaminants. - Regular Testing & Maintenance Plans
Proactive maintenance schedules reduce the risk of outbreaks, keeping your school’s water supply consistently safe. - School-Focused Solutions
We tailor our services to school infrastructure, working with boards of trustees and facilities managers to ensure cost-effective, practical solutions.
Healthy Water = Healthy Learning
Clean, safe drinking water is the foundation of a healthy learning environment. By partnering with ATS, schools can be confident their water is safe for students and staff — every day.
Get in touch today:
www.assisttradeservices.co.nz
At Assist Trade Services, we don’t just keep your school’s water safe — we provide a full range of services to support healthy, reliable facilities. From plumbing solutions and drainage to gasfitting and roofing, our certified team is here to ensure your school buildings remain safe, efficient, and future-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions About Safe Drinking Water in Auckland Schools
Why is safe drinking water important for schools?
Safe drinking water reduces the risk of illness from bacteria like E. coli, supports student health, and ensures compliance with public health regulations.
What causes drinking water contamination in schools?
Common causes include aging plumbing, poorly maintained storage tanks, lack of filtration, and infrequent water testing.
How can ATS help schools improve water safety?
ATS provides certified plumbers, modern water filtration and treatment systems, and proactive maintenance plans tailored for school environments.
Do Auckland schools need regular water testing?
Yes, regular testing ensures compliance, prevents bacterial outbreaks, and helps schools maintain a safe, healthy learning environment.
