New national wastewater rules are being brought in to save ratepayers money, with the Government saying the changes could cut consenting costs for councils by up to $830 million over the next 35 years and ease pressure on household rates.

Local Government Minister Simon Watts says the new environmental performance standards are about “saving money for communities” by streamlining how councils renew consents for wastewater plants.

For the first time, more than 330 publicly owned treatment plants will work under one consistent national framework, instead of each council running its own complex and often duplicated assessments.

The Government estimates consenting costs could drop by up to 40 percent per plant, or $300,000 to $600,000, and by up to 60 percent for smaller plants.

The standards cover discharges to land and water, rules for reusing biosolids, and clearer requirements for monitoring overflows and bypasses.

They use a risk-based approach, with tighter limits where the environment is most sensitive and more flexible, lower-cost options in low-risk areas.

With around 60 percent of treatment plants needing new consents in the next decade, including those that serve communities like the Hibiscus Coast, the Government says the changes will help councils upgrade ageing infrastructure without adding to cost-of-living pressures.

The new standards take effect in December 2025.

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