Wastewater standards tranche 2
Have your say on proposed standards for managing odour from wastewater treatment plants and metals in treated wastewater discharged to water.
We recently consulted on a proposed second tranche of wastewater environmental performance standards.
The proposed wastewater standards aim to provide a national approach for two matters that commonly arise in consenting: odour from discharges to air, and the presence of metals in discharges of treated wastewater from wastewater treatment plants.
The intention is to lift the overall performance of wastewater treatment infrastructure by setting clear, consistent and transparent expectations, while retaining a risk-based approach so requirements are proportionate to the level of risk.
We published a discussion document and supporting technical advice.
We also held two information sessions on Monday 28 September and Friday 2 October.
Watch a recording of the information sessionoutbound
We asked whether you consider the proposed wastewater standards to be clear, practical, and proportionate for wastewater treatment plants with different risk profiles, to ensure the benefits of national wastewater standardisation can be achieved.
Consultation has now closed
Consultation was open for six weeks from 10 September 2026 to 22 October 2026.,
We will review submissions and consider whether submitters support the proposals, and whether further testing or changes are needed. If agreed by the Minister of Local Government, and Cabinet, a final proposal of the standards will be made through regulations.