Gillian Blythe: Water New Zealand CEO on the threat to drinking water sources revealed in report into the state of water infrastructure

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge · Jul 27, 2026 · 4m · transcript

More evidence in black and white of the need for more investment in water infrastructure.

The Water Services Authority's third annual Network Environmental Performance Report finds there is an average 31 wastewater overflows a day.

It also finds some 15% of assessed drinking water and wastewater pipes are in poor condition.

Water New Zealand chief executive Gillian Blythe told Andrew Dickens there also needs to be stronger protections for drinking water sources.

She says it's looking to see if regulations are fit for purpose, or whether there needs to be urgent changes.

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